VISHU - the malayalam new year

 

Vishu – The Malayalam New Year Day

This year Vishu is being celebrated on Monday, 14 April 2025. It is the first day 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. There are several mythological tales related to the  Vishu festival. One such story is: Vishu is the day when Lord Krishna killed Narakasura, a demon.

                     Vishukani                                             

                                                                                               Vishukainettam

                                  

                            vishu sadhya                                                       konna flower(cassia fistula)             

On the previous night of vishu, 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, konna flowers - are decoratively arranged. On the wee hours of April 14, oil lights(nila vilakku) are lit and kept by the side of  the 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.

                                        **********************************