Vishu

Celebrating the Spirit of New Beginnings: Vishu in Kerala

If you visit Kerala during the Vishu festival, as you walk through the streets, you may witness beautiful women adorned in Mundum Neriyathum which is traditional clothing in Kerala strolling around for getting a bunch of yellow flowers, old people sitting outside chatting and laughing out loud, some elders carrying sweets to their neighbours and instructing the children to be careful while bursting crackers on the way, you could feel the warm aroma of different flavours and spices coming from the preparation of a delicious meal that pulls you towards each home. It’s just a heartfelt and warm sight to witness. The festival of Vishu heralds the beginning of the Malayalee New Year and is also considered the first day of the harvest year. It is a time of joy, hope and renewal, as people begin anew and look forward to a prosperous year ahead.

Vishukkani

The most important and foremost ritual on Vishu is the Vishukanni which is translated as the  “the first thing seen on the day of Vishu after waking up”. On the morning of Vishu, the family members wake up early and go to the prayer room to see the Vishukanni first thing in the morning. The Vishukanni arrangement typically includes a brass oil lamp, Lord Guruvayurappan idol (picture), Valkannadi( mirror), golden yellow flowers known as kanikkonna (Cassia fistula), a Kerala Kasavu (silk cloth), fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, and a traditional Kerala-style metal vessel called uruli filled with rice. The arrangement is meant to symbolize abundance, prosperity, and good luck for the upcoming year.

Vishukkaineetam

After the Vishukkani ritual, all family members take a bath and put on new clothes to receive Vishukkaineetam. This involves the distribution of wealth in the form of coins or notes by the elders of the family to the younger members, symbolizing the sharing of affluence and good fortune.

Vishu sandhya

The whole family now sit together to relish a grand Vishu sadya which is served on a banana leaf that consists of around 24-28 dishes. The main dish is plain boiled rice, which is served along with a collection of side dishes called Kootan. The Kootan includes dishes like sambar, rasam, kichadi,, mango pickle, lime pickle, plantain chips, banana, plain curd, buttermilk, and other similar items.

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal, with people indulging in various customs and traditions. It is a time for people to come together and share their joy and happiness with one another. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with family and friends, and to reflect on the past year while looking forward to the promise of a brighter future. May this Vishu bring you happiness, prosperity, and all the blessings of life!

Where do you Buy Vishu Pooja products online in the  UK?

On  Vishu the very first thing that your eyes stare at is the 'kanni' (the auspicious sight) at dawn, hoping to start the New Year by looking at auspicious things will bring good luck all through the year. Gold, silver jewelry, betel leaves, nuts, fruits like  Mango, banana, jackfruit,  flowers, raw grains, and coconuts are all considered auspicious. To buy these stuff and to have an awesome start, Lakshmi Stores, the online grocery stores in the UK will lend it’s hand. Buy Kannapoo Online from  Lakshmi stores , UK  and they celebrate Tamil New Year in the UK with their happy customers by providing awesome service