Vishu is an important Kerala festival celebrated in the month of medam. Vishu is the beginning of Malayelese New Year and is celebrated elaborately in the state of Kerala.
Vishu kani – It is the first sight on the day of Vishu which is a very important feature of this festival. This kani is arranged on the previous night of Vishu. Vishu kani consists of konna flowers (cassia fistula), nellu / unnakallari (rice / paddy), kodi vastram (linen) golden cucumber, belt leaves, vaal kannadi (hand mirror), coins, gold ornaments and a holy text preferably Ramayana in a uruli (shallow punchloham vessel). Lord Krishna’s idol is kept with these things with a mirror behind.
All the members of the family wake up at dawn and have a glimpse of Vishu kani. It is believed that good things seen first on the New Year bring luck and prosperity throughout the year.
Vishu Kaineetam – is one of the rituals on the day of Vishu. Elders offer money to children and younger ones.
The Vishu celebration is incomplete without crackers and Vishu sadhya.
The essence of Vishu is to celebrate the festival with joy and happiness and spread happiness all around.
Some of Vishu sadhya recipes are:
KERALA CABBAGE – CARROT THORAN
KERALA (THRISSUR STYLE) AVIYAL
KERALA CHERUPAYAR PARRIPU CURRY
KERALA (PALAKKAD STYLE) SAMBAR