Vishu that carries the message of goodness and prosperity is here again. This year’s Vishu falls on April 15 (Wednesday), being the first day of Medam month, according to Malayalam Calendar. When Onam is the festival of harvest , Vishu is considered the festival of sowing.
For this year’s Vishu, summer showers have created a fine ambience on earth, which had been reeling under blistering weather.
The age-old festival has many myths revolving around mythical God Krishna. One myth says it was on a Vishu, centuries ago, Krishna killed Narakasura, whose rule spelled doom for the people in his kingdom. His death, the people believed, brought them goodness and prosperity.
Vishu Kani is the main feature of the festival. The word kani literally means "that which is seen first" and "Vishukkani" is that which is seen first on Vishu". The Vishukkani consists of a ritualistic arrangement of auspicious items such as raw rice, fresh lemon, golden cucumber, betel leaves, Kani Konna (Cassia fistula), arecanut, metal mirror, holy texts, gold, mirror, coins and currency notes. These are neatly arranged in uruli (bell metal basin) in the puja room of the house.
A lighted nilavilakku (big oil lamp) is also placed alongside. All these arrangements are made in the night before Vishu. On Vishu, the usual practice is to wake up early morning but with closed eyes and go to the prayer room to first get the sight of Vishukkani.
On the day people wear new clothes, visit temples, offer coins and currencies to younger ones as vishu kaineettam (vishu day cash gift), savour vegetarian sadhya (feast), distribute sweets and burst crackers as the part of the festive celebrations.
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