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Vishu Kani is a significant festival celebrated predominantly by the Malayali community in the southern state of Kerala, India. It marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and is observed on the first day of the month of Medam in the traditional Malayalam calendar. One of the major aspects of Vishu celebrations is the Vishu Kani, which translates to “the first sight on Vishu.” It is a ritual of setting up a special arrangement of auspicious items the night before Vishu, which is the first thing one sees when they wake up on the day of the festival. This Vishu Kani is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune for the rest of the year.
Vishu Kani Setup:
The Vishu Kani setup typically consists of a mirror, a beautiful idol or image of Lord Krishna, fresh flowers like kanikonna (Golden Shower Tree), fruits, vegetables, rice, coconut, betel leaves, areca nuts, golden cucumber, and newly harvested grains. These items symbolize prosperity, fertility, and abundance.
Significance of Vishu Kani:
The Vishu Kani is believed to bring blessings from the Gods and ancestors for a prosperous year ahead. It is considered highly auspicious to start the year by seeking the blessings of the divine through the Vishu Kani.
Vishu Kani Time in Guruvayoor 2024:
The timing for setting up the Vishu Kani in Guruvayoor for the year 2024 is crucial for the auspiciousness of the ritual. While the exact timing may vary slightly based on the local traditions and customs, generally, the Vishu Kani setup is done in the early hours of the morning before sunrise.
Vishu Kani Ritual:
On the day of Vishu, the head of the family or a respected elder member lights lamps, burns incense sticks, and recites prayers while other family members are led to the Vishu Kani with their eyes closed, to open them to the sight of the auspicious arrangement.
Customs and Traditions:
After viewing the Vishu Kani, it is customary for the elders to give ‘Vishukaineetam’, which is money or gifts, to the younger members of the family as a token of blessings. The day is also filled with feasting, bursting firecrackers, and spending time with loved ones.
Vishu Sadhya:
One of the highlights of Vishu celebrations is the grand feast known as Vishu Sadhya. It is a sumptuous spread of traditional Kerala dishes served on a banana leaf. The Sadhya typically includes a variety of vegetarian dishes like sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, payasam, and more.
Vishu Kaineettam:
Apart from seeking blessings from the Vishu Kani, another important aspect of Vishu is exchanging gifts and money called Vishu Kaineettam. It is a gesture of goodwill and is believed to bring prosperity and happiness to the recipient.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. What is the significance of Vishu Kani?
Vishu Kani is believed to bring blessings from the Gods and ancestors for a prosperous year ahead. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and good fortune.
2. What are the essential items for the Vishu Kani setup?
The Vishu Kani setup typically includes a mirror, idol of Lord Krishna, fresh flowers, fruits, vegetables, rice, coconut, betel leaves, areca nuts, golden cucumber, and grains.
3. When is Vishu Kani set up in Guruvayoor in 2024?
The Vishu Kani setup in Guruvayoor for 2024 should be done in the early hours of the morning before sunrise for auspiciousness.
4. What is Vishu Sadhya?
Vishu Sadhya is a grand feast served on a banana leaf during Vishu celebrations. It consists of a variety of traditional Kerala vegetarian dishes.
5. What is Vishu Kaineettam?
Vishu Kaineettam refers to the tradition of giving money or gifts to younger family members on Vishu as a symbol of blessings and goodwill.
Vishu Kani is not just a visual treat but also a spiritual experience that sets a positive tone for the rest of the year. It is a time of joy, togetherness, and seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. Embracing the rich traditions and customs of Vishu adds a touch of auspiciousness and cultural heritage to the festivities.
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