The festival celebrated in Vishu is Kerala, marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. This year, Vishu will be celebrated on April 15, 2023. The festival is associated with new beginnings and good fortune, and it celebrates the equinox where the length of the day is equal to the night. It is considered auspicious to see something auspicious first thing in the morning of Vishu.
One of the central aspects of the Vishu festival is the ‘Vishu Kani’ decoration. It is an arrangement that usually includes rice, pulses, coconut, flowers, fruits and vegetables such as gourd and cucumber, which are placed in front of a picture or idol of Lord Krishna. The symbolic meaning of a mirror in Vishu Kani is self-reflection. The decorations also include bright yellow flowers called ‘Kanikonna’, which are related to the golden shower tree believed to be a favorite of Lord Krishna. The ‘Vishu Kani’ is decorated the night before so that it is visible first on the day of Vishu.
On the day of Vishu, people wake up and open their eyes only in front of Vishu Kani, so that the whole year goes well.
This is followed by ‘Vishukkaneetam’, where the elders of the family give money to the children as a symbol of good luck. Another important aspect of the Vishu festival is the ‘Vishu Sadya’, a traditional feast consisting of various vegetarian dishes.
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