After viewing the Vishu Kani, elders in the family give Vishu Kaineettam (money) to younger members. This gesture is a blessing and a wish for prosperity.
Key Aspects of Vishu
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Vishu Kani: The most important ritual is the Vishu Kani, meaning "the first sight." People arrange a traditional setup of auspicious items like fruits, vegetables, rice, flowers (especially the golden-yellow Konna flower), mirrors, holy texts, coins, and more, which are placed in front of an idol or image of Lord Krishna. It is believed that viewing this arrangement first thing in the morning brings good fortune.
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Vishu Kaineettam: Elders give money, called Vishu Kaineettam, to younger members of the family as a symbol of blessings and prosperity.
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Vishu Sadya: A traditional feast called Sadya is prepared with various vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. The meal often includes rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam.
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Fireworks and Celebrations: Fireworks are a common part of the celebrations, especially among children. People also visit temples, and special prayers are offered.
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Cultural Significance: Vishu symbolizes new beginnings and is an occasion for families to come together, celebrate, and look forward to a prosperous year ahead. The festival has deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Malayali community.
Vishu Sadya
A significant part of the celebration is the Vishu Sadya, a grand feast consisting of a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. Some of the typical dishes include:
- Rice
- Sambar
- Avial (a mixed vegetable dish)
- Thoran (stir-fried vegetables with coconut)
- Pachadi (a sweet and sour dish)
- Olan (a dish made with white pumpkin and cowpeas)
- Payasam (a type of sweet dish or dessert)
The Sadya is an essential aspect of the day's celebrations, bringing family and friends together to enjoy the meal.
Fireworks and Entertainment
Fireworks are a popular part of Vishu celebrations, especially in the evening. It's common to see families and children enjoying sparklers and other fireworks. In some areas, traditional art forms and cultural programs, such as dance and music, are organized to mark the occasion.
New Clothes and Gifts
Wearing new clothes is a traditional practice during Vishu, symbolizing a fresh start. Gifts are often exchanged among family members and friends.
Pookkalam
Though not as elaborate as the ones seen during Onam, floral decorations called Pookkalam may also be created, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Vishu is one of the most popular festivals of Kerala. Since it is considered propitious to view good things on this day for year round good fortune, Vishu morning is an important time. The heart of this festival of Kerala is the preparation of the kani (the lucky sight or gift).The custom of preparing the kani has been followed for generations. The women take a large dish made of bell-metal (uruli), arrange in it a grantha (palm-leaf manuscript), a gold ornament, a new cloth, some flowers from the Konna Tree (Cassia fistula), some coins in a silver cup, a split coconut, a cucumber, some mangoes, and a jack-fruit. On either side of the dish are placed two burning lamps with a chair facing it. Family members are taken blindfolded and then their blindfolds are removed and they view the Vishu Kani. As in other Indian festivals, a great feast at home is the high point of celebrating Vishu in Kerala.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें