Wayanad: Aneesh, a father who lost his three children in the devastating landslides in Wayanad, has kept a promise made to his son. Despite the tragedy, Aneesh and his wife, Sayana, set up a Christmas tree and crib at the mass grave where their sons—Nived, Dhyan, and Ishan—and their grandmother, Rajamma, are buried.

Aneesh recalled the promise he had made to his second son, Dhyan, last year to create a Christmas tree and crib with a big star. "Dhyan was insistent that we have a good Christmas tree with a huge star at home," he told Onmanorama. "We managed to make a crib with a star, but it caught fire due to a short circuit. Dhyan was sad, and I comforted him, promising we would make a better one the following year."

This year, as Christmas approached, Aneesh and Sayana decided to fulfil their late son's wish by setting up the crib and tree in front of their children's graves. The landslide, which claimed over 300 lives, including 53 children, devastated Aneesh’s family.

"We used to spend Christmas with carols and celebrations every year," Aneesh said in a muffled voice. Now, the couple often visits the mass grave, bringing chocolates and flowers for their children. Death is eternal, and our love for the children also is eternal, says the couple. A small board placed near the graves reads, "Though we are with angels in heaven, we see everything happening here."

The Puthumala landslide, which swept through parts of Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages, left an indelible mark on Wayanad.