Vishu:1st day of 1st Malayalam month of Medam

[Guest guest]

Vishu -- Rituals

Vishu is the first day in the first Malayalam month of Medam (March -

April). This year it falls on 14th April 2002. The traditional

rituals followed in the festival is believed to usher in another year

of prosperity for the Keralites. The Malayalees make elaborate

preparations for this day to ensure that the year ahead will be a

fruitful one by following the custom of seeing the Vishukani

(auspicious sight) early in the morning.

Vishukani:

On the previous night of Vishu, fresh agricultural produce such as

rice, paddy, cucumber, jackfruit, arecanut, coconut and ripe

plantains are aesthetically decorated and placed at the feet of Lord

Krishna. The little yellow flowers called Konna Poovu which are in

full bloom during this season are considered a must in this

assemblage which is looked upon as the symbol of prosperity.

Precisely at bramhamuhurtham - the auspicious hour just before

sunrise, members of the family are brought to this assemblage

blindfolded. There is a belief that to catch a glimpse of the

reflection of these signs of prosperity in the mirror at the crack of

dawn, would bring prosperity to the individual.

 

Vishukodi and Vishukaineettam:

People buy new clothes (vishukodi) for the occasion and the elders of

the

 

family distribute tokens of money to the children, servants and

tenants. These tokens are called the vishukaineetam and are usually

in the form of coins. People carry on this custom believing that in

this way, their children will be blessed with prosperity in future.

Vishu Sadya:

While the men and the children engage in bursting crackers, women

start cooking a variety of delicacies for the day`s lunch. The feast

or the sadya is prepared by the women of the household and the whole

family sits down to enjoy the vishu lunch together. The dishes

prepared from the vegetables and fruits that are abundant in the

season like jackfruits, mangoes, pumkins, a variety of gourds, and

coconuts.

 

The famous temples like Guruvayur, Sabarimala and Padmanabha temple

are filled with devotees. Special pujas are held in these temples

where the people go to worship and pray for a prosperous new year.

They also view the Vishukanis that are prepared in each of these

temples.