Vishu-New Year In Kerala

Keralites celebrate their New Year (Vishu) on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam (April – May). This usually falls on 14 April. A festival of gaiety and renewal, this day is celebrated with great fun in Kerala.

The main ritual on this day is Vishukkani and Vishu Kaineettam. It is believed that the first objects which one sees on the morning of Vishu determine the prosperity experienced in the coming year.

As a result, people make it a point to see all the auspicious things as soon as they wake up. This is called Vishukkani . A special ritual arrangement of auspicious articles like rice grains, fresh linen, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, yellow flowers, a holy text and coins is made in a bell metal vessel called uruli . A bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is lighted near it.

Happy Vishu to all my readers!

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