Keralites celebrate 'Vishu' today, kickstart new agricultural cycle

Vishu Kani consisting of a utensil filled with vegetables, fruits and flowers stands as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for Malayalis the world over. It also marks the beginning of a new agricultural season and a new year for Keralites.

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Keralites the world over celebrate Vishu with family and friends today. The annual fete is celebrated with fervour and much enthusiasm. Vishu is a spring festival and it also marks the kick-start of the New Year for Keralites and a new agricultural cycle. The celebrations on this auspicious day give the message of hope, resilience and resurgence from the troubles of daily life.

Family members and friends will reunite on this day with traditional rituals. Vishu is celebrated on the first day of the month of medam, as per the Malayalam calendar. The darshan of the 'Vishu Kani' is the main attraction of this felicitous occasion. Malayalis wake up early morning and take a darshan of Vishu Kani - a traditional brass utensil with a collection of vegetables, fruits, and flowers arranged around an idol of Lord Krishna along with Nilavilakku lamp.

Vishu Kaineettam is another major traditional practice of this day. Elders will give money to children and others as a symbol of blessing. Vishu Sadhya (lunch) is also an unavoidable part of this festive day. Delicious lunch will include traditional Kerala dishes like Payasam. In the northern part of Kerala, fish, and meat also will be there along with lunch.

The bursting of firecrackers is another practice. Forgetting all other sorrows and miseries, Malayali families gather and celebrate this day. It is a public holiday for the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, opposition leader V D Satheeshan and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and other prominent leaders greeted Malayalees all over the world on the occasion of Vishu.