Caption: Cover Photo (Vishu Kani).
Dear all friends,
Wish you all a Very Happy Ramdan Kareem & New year greetings - from India.
The new year for many states in India & Sri Lanka is between the 13th & 14th.
In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, the Ugadi or Yugadi is today, 13th of April 2021 (Yug = Year & Adi = Beginning).
Other celebrations are GUDI PADWA (Maharashtra), POILA BOISAKH (West Bengal), VIKRAM SAMWAT & Navratri + Other Festivals.
In Tamil Nadu, it’s Puthandu (Putu = New & Aandu = Year) and in Kerala, it’s Vishu (Vishu = Equal - Equal Night & Day). Both are New year beginnings.
Our @Gurukrishnapriya has explained about Puthandu in her post Here. (I request you to read this interesting post, please)
Let’s Discuss Vishu in brief…
Caption: Lit Kerala Lamp (Nilavilakku).
Vishu is the first day of the Malayalam calendar and celebrated in Kerala and the adjoining areas of Southern India. Being the New year and the first day of Medam, (the ninth month in the Malayalam solar calendar which falls on the 14th or 15th of April in the Gregorian calendar) Vishu is celebrated with much ceremonial splendour among the family members.
Caption: Rice, Gold Locket, Rock Salt, Turmeric, etc.
Vishu Kani (Kani = First Sight, here for the year):
Early morning, the elders will guide the youngsters to view the pre-arranged Vishu Kani without opening their eyes. At the location, the youngsters are allowed to open their eyes for the first sight of the year.
The Vishu Kani includes all fresh and appealing items that are pleasing to our eyes; majorly the items are vegetables, fruits, rice (other harvested products), gold coin or medal, red or white silk, etc. also the Kani Includes ‘Ashtamangalyam’ - a set of 8 items in which Aranmula Kannadi is important; however, this item being rare, we all use an ordinary mirror.
Though Kani Konna (Indian laburnum) is not available everywhere, it is one of the most important items in the Vishu Kani.
Caption: Vishu Kani (fruits & Vegetables ).
Vishu Kaineettam (Kaineettam = The first gift of the year):
Elders of the family usually give Vishu Kaineettam as coins/currency to younger members of the family.
Caption: Vishu Kani (fruits, Vegetables, Lamp, etc.).
Vishu Phalam (astrological prediction for the next year):
Traditionally Vishu Phalam is one of the important items of the day. This is the astrological prediction (as per Zodiac signs) of an individual till the next Vishu. This prediction is usually obtained from the Panjangam (an astrological diary in a tabular form containing the date, Muhurt [auspicious time], etc, containing predictions).
Caption: Vishu Sadhya items kept on the table to be served.
Vishu Sadhya (the special meal of the day):
Vishu Sadhya is the special lunch of the day served in plantain leaves with different dishes, sweets, chips, plantains, etc. All the family members join together for the Sadhya.
Vishu celebrations also include firecrackers.
Caption: Vishu Sadhya served in the plantain leaves.
Mythology:
Though there are various mythological stories, we are including only one here.
Ravana, the demon king of Ramayana, never allowed Lord Surya to rise from the east because he never wanted his palace to be hot. Once Ravana was killed, Lord Surya was freed on Vishu day. The Vishu is celebrated to commemorate this victory.
Another Interesting post by LG @Amiran : Happy Persian New Year, Nowruz 2021
Has the post come out well? dear @BorrisS
Hope this post is interesting to you all.
This post was inspired by @KashifMisidia - Thanks.
Dear friends, @helga19 @C_T @AjitThite @Erna_LaBeau @Sophia_Cambodia @MAHBUB_HYDER
