Keralites celebrated the traditional new year “Vishu” with fervour and gaiety on Sunday Big crowds were witnessed at all major…
A traditional Vishukani
Keralites celebrated the traditional new year “Vishu” with fervour and gaiety on Sunday
Big crowds were witnessed at all major temples such as the Sabarimala temple, the Guruvayur Sri Krishna temple and the Padmanabhaswamy temple here.
The main ritual of the Vishu is the Vishukkani(the first sight in the morning of the first day ofVishu). The Hindus in the state believe that the first object one sees in the morning of Vishu determines the prosperity to be experienced in the coming year.
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The Vishukkani consists of a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles intended to signify prosperity, including gold, rice, fruits and vegetables, betel leaves, metal mirror, yellow flowers called konna (Cassia fistula), holy texts and coins, all arranged around dieties in an ambience lit by the nilavilakku (Traditional lamp). This is arranged by the elders of the family the night before and the younger members in the family are taken blindfolded and they view the VishuKani as the first sight.
Children burst fire crackers and a grand sadya (feast) is arranged in the noon. Elders give away of money as gift to youngsters as part of the celebration.
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