Vishu - the New Year in Kerala
Vishu is the first
day of the Malayalam calendar and is the call of a New Year in Kerala and the
adjoining areas of Southern India. This day is celebrated with much ceremonial
splendor among all family members, relatives and friends and is marked by feasting
and burning of fire crackers.
When is Vishu
celebrated?
Vishu is the first day of the local
calendar and is the beginning of Meda Rashi, the first zodiac sign. It
signifies the equinox according to the solar calendar and falls usually in the
second week of April according to the English calendar.
Spiritual Significance of Vishu
This day of Vishu is the most
important day in a Keralite's life. It marks the beginning of new hopes and
aspirations and is celebrated widely all across the state. People take a lot of
care in fulfilling the rituals so as to bring prosperity and success in the
coming year ahead.
Rituals of Vishu
- People
start with early morning prayers at dawn on this auspicious day.
- The
mother of the family arranges Visukkani which consists of cucumber, rice,
arecanuts, betel leaves, gold ornaments, new clothes, a holy granth, coins
in a silver cup, mangoes, jackfruit, metal mirror,fresh lemon long with a
lit metal lamp alongside. Family members are supposed to view these things
first when they get up from sleep.
- A
special yellow flower named Konna is a must in the Kani.
- The
holy text of Ramayan is recited during the puja and the common belief
among Malayalees is that the recital would have its sacred effects on all
family members.
- A
special feast called 'sadya' is prepared keeping in mind all flavours that
should be equally present in the meal. A meal usually consists of rice,
sambar, chips, pickle, aviyal, rasam and different varieties of sweets and
payasams.
- A
special type of rice is prepared for this occasion. This is called Kanji
and is prepared with high quality rice, coconut milk and condiment spices.
- Later
children burst fire crackers and new clothes and money are given as gifts
to friends and relatives as blessings by elders of the family.
- People
also visit temples offering prayers on this day.
- People
distribute coins among the poor on this day.
- People
usually wear their best clothes on this day and women love to adorn
themselves with gold ornaments. Men wear the traditional 'mundu' along
with khadi shirts.
Celebration in other states
New Year is celebrated in other
states of India during this time as well. This occasion is referred to by
different names in various parts of India.
- Poila
Baisakh in Bengal
- Baisakhi
in Punjab
- Puthandu
in Tamil Nadu
- Bihu
in Assam
Vishu is definitely by far the most
popular festival of Kerala and with the festive mood in town this is the best
time of the year to visit the state.
2016 Date : 14th April,Thursday.
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