Vishu

Vishu Sadya 2013 135212

Crackers vishu 2

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Uruli festive arrangement of flowers, Malayali Hindus in Kerala

Vishu is a traditional festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, marking the astronomical new year for Malayali Hindus. It is also observed in the nearby regions of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka among the Malayali communities and falls on the first day of Medam, the ninth month in the solar calendar followed in Kerala, which in the Gregorian calendar corresponds to April 14 or April 15. Vishu signifies the sun's transit into the Meda Raasi (first solar month), marking the vernal equinox. The festival symbolizes the importance of prosperity, happiness, and family bonding in Hindu culture.

Celebrations

The most significant event of Vishu is the Vishukkani (meaning "that which is seen first on Vishu"), which involves the first thing people see on the morning of Vishu being a carefully arranged assortment of auspicious items. This arrangement includes items such as rice, linen, cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror (Val Kannadi), yellow flowers (Konna), and a holy text and coins in a bell metal vessel called uruli. A lamp is lit alongside this arrangement to illuminate the display. The belief is that seeing a prosperous sight first thing in the morning will ensure good fortune for the rest of the year.

Families also prepare a special feast on Vishu, known as Sadya, which includes a mix of salty, sweet, sour, and bitter items. Vishu Katta (a rice cake) is a unique dish prepared on this day.

Another tradition is the giving of Vishukkaineetam, where elders gift money to the younger members of the family, symbolizing the sharing of prosperity.

Cultural Significance

Vishu is not just a celebration of the new year but also a day of reflection and embracing new beginnings with hope and enthusiasm. It embodies the cultural richness of Kerala and showcases the importance of nature and agriculture in Malayali life. The festival is a reminder of the constant cycles of birth and rebirth, themes that are prevalent in Hindu philosophy.

Related Festivals

Vishu shares similarities with other regional New Year festivals in India, such as Baisakhi in Punjab, Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, Bihu in Assam, and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, all of which are celebrated around the same time of year and mark the beginning of the spring season.

See Also

• Onam
• Hindu festivals
• Culture of Kerala