In other states of the country, the festival of Vishu is
celebrated in a different way and under other names. In Tamil Nadu, the New
Year is celebrated as Puthandu or Tamil New Year, while in West Bengal it is
known as Pohela Boishakh. While Vaisakhi is celebrated to usher in the new year
in Punjab, Bihu in Assam and Lord Sankranti in Orissa. Mesha Sankranti is a Hindu
festival that celebrates the new year according to the Indian solar calendar.
On the lawn of 'Kanikkonna Poovu', people start their day with a delicious dish
called 'Vishu Kani' prepared by the housewife. The celebration culminates in
the preparation and enjoyment of the festival known as 'Sadya' and the
celebrations are held with fervour and fervour.
Vishu Festival Information
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Topic
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Knowledge
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Date
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14th
April 2024
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Festival
Name
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Vishu
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Meaning |
celebrates the vernal equinox, when day and night are roughly equal length |
| Significance
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marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Malayalam calendar. |
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Observance
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The festival begins at sunrise with a religious offering for the upcoming year. |
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Rituals
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Buying new clothes for the occasion of Vishu is called Puthukodi or Vishukodi. |
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Duration
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1
Day
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Type
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Hindu
festival |
When is Vishu Celebrated
Vishu is the first day of the Medan month as per Malayalam
calendar and is the beginning of Meda Rashi, the first zodiac sign. It
signifies the night according to the solar calendar and falls usually in the
second week of April according to the English calendar.
Also Check Other Holiday in April 2024
How is Vishu Festival Celebrated
Vishu, the traditional festival celebrated in the Indian
state of Kerala, is marked by various customs and rituals that make the
celebration unique. Here is an overview of how Vishu is typically celebrated:
- Vishukkani Preparation: The day begins with the preparation
of Vishukkani, an arrangement of auspicious items. This includes a mirror,
golden cucumber (Kanikonna), rice, flowers, coins, and other symbolic articles.
The arrangement is set up the night before Vishu, and the idea is that it
should be the first sight seen on the morning of the festival.
- Vishukkani Viewing: On the morning of Vishu, family members
gather to view the Vishukkani. It is believed that witnessing these auspicious
items as the first sight of Vishu brings good luck and prosperity for the year
ahead.
- Vishukaineetam: Giving and receiving Vishukaineetam
(monetary gifts) is a significant tradition. Elders give money to the younger
members of the family, symbolizing the sharing of blessings and prosperity.
- Vishu Sadya (Feast): A special feast known as Vishu Sadya is
prepared. It includes a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes served on a
banana leaf. Special sweets and savories are also part of the feast.
Vishu Spiritual Significance
The day of Vishu is the most important day in a Keralite's
life. It marks the beginning of new hopes and aspirations and is celebrated
widely all across the state. People take a lot of care in fulfilling the
rituals so as to bring prosperity and success in the coming year ahead.
Vishu Festival Rituals
- People start with prayer in the morning on this auspicious
day.
- The mother of the family prepares Vishukkani with cucumber,
rice, nuts, betel leaves, gold ornaments, new clothes, sacred gifts, silver
coins in a silver bowl, mango, silver, metal glass, fresh lemon and light
metal. Light side. Families should check this first thing when they wake up.
- A special yellow flower called Konna is important in Kani.
- The sacred text of the Ramayana is recited during the puja
and it is widely believed among Malaysians that it has sacred value for every
family.
- A special feast called 'sadya' is prepared to remember all
the food required in the feast. Traditional food is rice, sambar, chips,
pickles, rasam and various sweets and payasams.
In conclusion, Vishu is more than just a New Year
celebration; it is a manifestation of tradition, spirituality, and communal
harmony. The festival encapsulates the essence of new beginnings and the hope
for a prosperous and harmonious year ahead.