Vishu is a festival celebrated in Kerala, marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. This year, Vishu will be celebrated on April 14, 2024. It’s the first day of Medam.
About Vishu
It is believed that on Vishu, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura and hence the festival is associated with new beginnings and good fortune. Vishu celebrates the equinox where the length of the day is equal to that of the night.It is considered lucky to see something auspicious first thing in the morning of Vishu.
Vishu Kani decoration
One of the central aspects of Vishu celebrations is the ‘Vishu Kani’ decoration. It is an arrangement that typically includes rice, dal, coconut, flowers, fruits, and vegetables such as snake gourd and cucumber, placed in front of a photo or idol of Lord Krishna. A mirror in Vishu Kani symbolically means self-reflection. The decoration also includes bright yellow flowers called ‘Kanikonna,’ belonging to the golden shower tree, believed to be Lord Krishna’s favourite. The ‘Vishu Kani’ is decorated the night before so that it is the first thing that is seen on the day of Vishu.
On the day of Vishu, people wake up and open their eyes only in front of the Vishu Kani, so that the entire year goes well. After seeing Vishu Kani, people visit temple and apply sandal wood paste on their forehead after worshipping the god.
Vishu Kaineetam
This is followed by ‘Vishu Kaineetam,’ where elders in the family give money to the children as a symbol of good fortune. It is also believed that the wealth when shared with other will multiply.
Vishu Sadya
Another significant aspect of Vishu celebrations is the ‘Vishu Sadya,’ a traditional feast consisting of various vegetarian dishes. The Sadya includes
- Pal ada Payasam
- Chakka Payasam
- Curd Pachadi
- Pineapple Sweet Pachadi
- Kootucurry
- Kaalan
- Olan
- Avial
- Iduchakkai Thoran
- Mango Pullisheri
- Rice
- Ghee
- Paruppu (Dal)
- Sambar
- Rasam
- Curd
- Pickle
- Upperi
- Sakarai Upperi
- Papadam
- Inji Puli
- Banana
Vishu greetings
Vishu greetings are extended to malyalis by saying Vishu Aasham sakal.
Vishu Padakkam
In Kerala, previously people used to burst crackers on Vishu. Infact, they would burst crackers during Vishu more than Diwali. Nowadays owing to pollution and environment conscious, bursting of crackers has reduced to a great extent.
FAQs
When is Vishu in 2024?
Vishu falls on April 14, 2024.
What is Vishu celebrated for?
Vishu is the harvest festival celebrated in Kerala.
Is Onam and Vishu same?
Vishu is observed on the first day of Medam and Onam is observed when the star Thiruvonam comes.
Which flowers are used for Vishu decoration?
The decoration includes bright yellow flowers called ‘Kanikonna,’ that are believed to be the favourite flowers of Lord Krishna.
What does Mirror stand for in Vishu Kani decoration?
A mirror in Vishu Kani symbolically means self-reflection.
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