The Hindu : Kerala News : Festival of prosperity

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Sunday, Apr 13, 2008
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Kerala

Kerala

Festival of prosperity

Well before dawn on the day of Vishu, homes across Kerala wake up to the sight of Vishukani, the auspicious omen that would usher in prosperity. The festival of Vishu that generally coincides with the first day of the month of Medam (April-May) is also referred to as the Malayalam New Year. The day carries an astronomical significance as it falls on the equinox, indicating equal length of the day and the night.

Preparations and arrangements for Vishu cap it all on the night preceding it. Items like rice, cucumber, linen, jackfruit and yellow flowers of Cassia fistula, known in local palance as Kanikonna are aesthetically arranged before the idol of Lord Krishna.

The flowers of the Konna that bloom in these months and form a dense cover of brilliant yellow is a sight cherished by many.

On Vishu day, an elderly female member of the family lights up the wick-oil lamp, sights the elaborate spread laid out before the idol of Lord Krishna and guides the other family members to follow suit. Since it is believed that sighting the Vishukani first on the Vishu day will bring prosperity, family members are instructed to ensure that the first sighting is always on the Kani. After sighting the Kani, people take bath, wear new clothes and visit temples of Lord Krishna. Popular temples of Lord Krishna in the State like Guruvayoor witness a heavy turnout of devotees on the Vishu day.

Vishu is eagerly awaited by many, especially children, for it is an opportunity to size up their pocket money. On Vishu day, elders in the family give out Kaineetam to youngsters as tokens of prosperity.

Towards the close of the day, children are found animatedly discussing about the gains during the day. Kaineettam is also give to servants in the family and the poor and the needy. Vishu is also a time for feasting. A lavish spread of dishes are prepared at home and enjoyed along with family and friends.

Vishu is also when the movie world brightens up with several new releases. Vishu, being a holiday alongside falling in the period when most schools close for vacations, the day has families coming out in good numbers to catch the latest in entertainment scene.

While the pressures of modern day living and work-life have brought about changes in the way the day is celebrated, Vishu is still longed for by people all over the State. It is also vibrantly celebrated by non-resident Keralites in different parts of the world as the day that ushers in prosperity. This year, Vishu falls on 14 th April.

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