It is important to note that vishu is considered
as the astrological New Year festival of Kerala state. This is celebrated
during the month of April. In general we can say that it is observed during
first day of medam( which is the Malayalam month). It usually falls on April 14th.
The traditional people of Kerala practice a lot of colorful rituals and customs
on Vishu. Most of these traditions are based on a belief that Vishu must be
celebrated well as the good things of the first day of the New Year will continue
for the rest of the year too.
Most important ritual of the day is called 'Kani Kanal', the literal
translation of this is 'first sight'. In Kani Kanal there is a prescribed list
of items, which a person must see first thing on a Vishu morning to bring good
luck. It is interesting to note that the arrangements
for vishukkani will be completed in the previous night & this consists of a
nilavilakku(which is a lighted traditional lamp), an idol of lord Krishna,
& some other items like arecanut(adakka) , betel leaves(vettila), raw
rice(unakkalari), kanikonna( konna flowers), cucumber(vellari), vaal kannadi,
coins & holy text which are kept in a uruli(shallow circular vessel with an
open mouth). Uruli is most commonly seen in all houses of kerala. Remember that
these arrangements are made in the puja room of the house.
Vishukkani is prepared in such a way so as to
bring prosperity to the house in the New Year. This is mostly celebrated by the
Hindus. Another fact to remember is that on the vishu day it is important to
wake up at dawn & with the eyes closed you must go to the puja room for
observing vishukkani. Remember that by seeing vishukkani you are able to see
the first sight of the New Year.Vishu Kani is later distributed amongst the poor and needy people.
Reason behind this ritual is the strong belief of the people that the fortune
of the rest of the year depends on the first object they see on the Vishu day.
There is also a tradition to give small amounts of cash to children of the
family. This tradition is called Vishu
Kaineetam. People believe that this custom will ensure prosperity for their
children in future.
A grand sadya (feast) is prepared by women of the house and the wholefamily sits together at lunch to relish it. Dishes are usually prepared fromjackfruits, mangoes, pumpkins, and gourds besides other vegetables and fruits,which are in plenty at that time of the season.
People also wear kodi vastram (new clothes) on this day. Patassu (fire crackers) are burst in the midstof dancing and merry to mark the day.
People also wear kodi vastram (new clothes) on this day. Patassu (fire crackers) are burst in the midstof dancing and merry to mark the day.
A group of young men
and women dress up as 'chozhi' , wearing a skirt of dried banana leaves and
masks on their faces and go from house to house in the village dancing and
collecting small amounts of money. On Vishu, these entertainers get good
rewards for their performances. The money is spent on the Vishuwela (the New Year Fair).