Vishu - The Malayalam New Year Day

Vishu – The Malayalam New Year Day

April 15 is being celebrated as Vishu, the Malayalam New Year (First of Malayalam month Maedam). As for the Bengalis it is Pohela, for the Tamilians it is Puthandu and for Kannadigas it is Bisu. Celebrations may vary slightly depending on the regional flavor.

                                                       

   

On the previous night (April 14), vishukani will be arranged and kept ready in the Puja ( prayer)room or in the Sitting rom. For this, in a circular flat bottomed bronze vessel (uruli), different items – vegetables, fruits, rice, jewellery, betel leaves, coins, sacred book like Bhagavad Gita, Photo of Srikrisha etc- are decoratively arranged. On the wee hours of April 15, lights are lit and kept by the side of  vishukani at the prearranged place. Each member of the family is brought to this  place , closing their eyes. They are then asked to open their eyes, see, touch and feel each item in the vessel and pray to god for having sound health, a happy and comfortable year ahead. The senior most member of the family then gives cash (coin) to each member.(kainettam) Fire crackers are burst and sparklers are lit. All the family members have their bath and  may visit the near by temple. At midday, there will be a feast with special dishes including payasam (sweet porridge). The festival is being celebrated on a large scale at Guruvayur temple and other temples.