Wish you very Happy New Year to all

SIVASIVA (FCA, Future CA) (4935 Points)

15 April 2011

Wish you all a very happy vishu to all Kerala friends.

May this new year brings lots of happiness and joy.

ALL THE BEST FOR THOSE WHO ARE WRITING EXAM IN THE COMING MAY 11

What it is? - This occasion signifies the sun's transit to "Zodiac" (Mesha Raasi-the first zodiac sign as per Indian Astrological calculations). It falls on the first of Medam (Malayalam month).

What it means? - In sanskrit, it means "equal".

Vishukani or Kani kanal is the most important traditon followed by the people of Kerala.

Belief? As per belief, the year's prosperity depends on the type of first object seen on the day.

Items to be seen? There is a list which tells about various auspicious items to be seen on Vishu morning. Ladies keep all the prescribed items ready a night before the Vishu. A Cadian leaf book, gold ornaments, a new white cloth, raw rice, yellow cucumber, betel leaves, flowers of the Konna tree, halved jack fruits, holy grantha and coconut are kept in a bell metal vessel called 'uruli'. Behind the vessel is kept a bell metal mirror and a Lord Krishna deity. Two lighted oil lamp called Nilavilakku is also placed alongside. The head of the family is the first person to see the holy things. Children are brought blindfold. Special care is taken that family members do not see any other thing except Vishukani. Later, Vishukani is offered to God and distributed amongst poor. Children and other young members of the family get a small gift on this day and this tradition of gift-giving is called Vishu Kaineetam.

Note: Eventhough, Vishu is considered as New Year, the formal New Year considered by Keralites is the first month of "Chingam". Chingam is the harvest season in Kerala.

Celebration: This festive is a big one in Kerala. Children celebrate by bursting Crackers, Elders gift crackers to children. Elders distribute token of money called "Vishukkaineetam" to children, servants and other persons.