What is Vishu?
Vishu is the day when day and night are equal in nature. Aries one has Meda Vishu and Libra one has Tula Vishu. Sun transiting from one sign to another sign is called sankranti/sankrama. Maha Vishu is also said to be the most important in Sankranti. Malayalis celebrate Vishu on the first day of the month of Meda. Vishu is associated with agricultural festival and worship of Lord Krishna. Vishu is also said to symbolize an upcoming year.
There are different legends about Vishu. A legend says that Vishuva is celebrated on the day Narakasura was killed by Lord Krishna. Another belief is that Ravana did not allow the sun to rise straight as he did not like the sun beating inside his palace, and Vishu is celebrated as the sun rose straight after Rama killed Ravana. Vishu and Onam are the major harvest festivals of Kerala. While Onam is associated with paddy cultivation, Vishu is associated with summer vegetable crops.
How should Vishukani be?
Vishu Kani and Vishu Kai Nitta are important as Vishu indicates an upcoming year. Senior women in the family are in charge of Vishukani. Prepare Vishukani by placing washed mund, gold, tail glass, cucumber, kanikonna, ripe betel nut, betel nut, kanmashi, chanterelle, cinturam, lemon in a rolling mill filled with rice and paddy and a lighted lamp facing east, coconut palm and the idol of Lord Krishna. Kanikanna flowers are a must on Vishwakani.
Kanikona (Indian laburnum) is the first thing that comes to mind when one hears Vishu. Kanikonna starts blooming in Kerala from the month of February. The yellow flowers blooming in Kanikonna are the state flower of Kerala. Kanikonna is also known as Karnikaram. During the equinox season in Kerala, Kannikonna is a beautiful sight.
When Vishukani, the auspicious sign of light, wealth, fruits, and grains, is seen, it is the development into a new cycle of life. Kurikoot, Grantham, silver money, jackfruit, mango etc. are also used locally. It is said that a lighted sandalwood candle, water-filled firewood and fresh kasavumund should be kept nearby.
The oldest woman in the house prepares the night mat and goes to bed. Wake up in the morning and look at yourself and look at others. He wakes up from sleep and takes him blindfolded from behind. When all the family members are blessed, then they should bring the blessing to the east side of the house and bless the nature, after that fruit trees and domestic animals are blessed.
Equinox extension:
After seeing Kani, it is the responsibility of the head of the household to give Vishukainitam to the family members. In the past, coins were issued in gold and silver. The offering of hands is given with the blessing that there will be wealth, abundance and prosperity throughout the coming year. Older people usually extend a hand to younger people, but in some places younger people also extend a hand to older people.
In the past, when there was a joint family system, it was customary to distribute a small share of the property to everyone on the equinox. Some social scientists also estimate that this later changed to the current method as Vishukainitam. Today, when the time has changed, giving a hand is the money given by the elders to the younger ones. Hand-lending is limited to grandfather, father, uncle or elders in the family.
Kani ulili should be mixed with paddy, rice, konnpoo and gold to give Vishukaineetam. In the past, coins were used as gifts. Conveniently switched to Note today. After taking the coin in hand, the gold and grain will be returned. It was customary to apply the flowers to the eyes and warm them on the head. The hand is given with the blessing that there will be wealth and prosperity throughout the year. Although it is the old people who lend a hand, today children also give a hand to their parents and elders. It is believed that those who give will be blessed and those who receive will be blessed.
HAPPY VISHU
Thank you!