Happy and prosperous Vishu to all

[Guest guest]

Today is Vishu.. Vishu is an auspicious day that brings prosperity and this day

is called the new years day in kerala.

Vishu falls on the first day of Malayalam month Medam (April), which is the

astronomical New Year Day when the sun crosses the equator. Through Vishu is

identified with the Hindus religious beliefs, it is not in any way a religious

festival. As per popular belief, the first thing people see on Vishu, the

'Vishukkani', is decisive to the year's prosperity. Thus the 'Vishukkani' has

over the years become a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles like raw

rice, fresh linen, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, the

yellow flowers 'konna' (cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell

metal vessel called 'uruli'. A lighted bell metal lamp called nilavilakku is

also placed alongside. As Vishu ushers in a New Year dawn, people wake up to

behold the ritualistic

arrangement. Giving off handsel (kaineettam) to the younger members of the

family is part of the celebrations.

Sairam,

 

Sibi Sukumar.

" Learning derived from the scriptures is of no avail if it does not help you

to reach the feet of the Lord. Love is God "