Kerala Celebrates Vishu with Traditional Rituals and Festive Cheer

Vishu, the traditional New Year festival of Kerala, is celebrated with much excitement and joy across the state. The festival marks the beginning of the Malayalam calendar year and holds great significance for Keralites. People celebrate Vishu with vibrant rituals, prayers, and family gatherings, welcoming the new year with hope and positivity.

On the day of Vishu, families begin the celebration early in the morning. The first ritual of the day is the “Vishu Kani,” which is a display of various auspicious items. Families set up a small altar with a mirror, golden fruits, vegetables, rice, and flowers, along with a deity idol or image. The most important part of the Vishu Kani is the arrangement of a bright, glowing light, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the coming year. As the first thing that people see in the morning, the Vishu Kani is believed to bring positive energy and good fortune.

After seeing the Vishu Kani, people visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for a prosperous year. The temples are filled with devotees, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and celebration. The rituals include lighting lamps, offering flowers, and praying for health, wealth, and happiness in the coming year.

Food plays a central role in the celebrations, and the day is marked by the preparation of special dishes. A big feast, known as “Vishu Sadhya,” is served with a variety of vegetarian dishes. The traditional meal includes rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and the famous “payasam” for dessert. The food is served on a banana leaf, and families gather to enjoy the feast together.

Vishu also brings families together. People wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and spend time with their loved ones. Children receive “Vishu Kaineettam,” a small sum of money, as a token of love and blessings from elders. This gesture symbolizes good luck and prosperity.

As the day progresses, the air is filled with festive cheer. The streets are decorated with colorful lights, and people burst fireworks to celebrate the occasion. The celebration continues well into the evening, with families enjoying each other’s company, singing traditional songs, and cherishing the festive atmosphere.

Vishu is not only a celebration of the new year but also a time for Keralites to express gratitude for the past year and pray for a prosperous future. It is a day of joy, hope, and unity, bringing people together to celebrate life’s blessings.