Vishu

Today is being celebrated as Vishu!

Vishu is another important Kerala Festival celebrated in the month of "Medam". This day is also observed as Bisu in Karnataka.

The significance of Vishukkani is that all are blessed with a year of abundance - both spiritually and materialistically. As we see the Vishukkani we pray that this vision remains with us throughout the year. This divine vision, the thought of abundance and prosperity must also reflect through our thoughts and actions and this divine vision of abundance in love, happiness and hope must be shared by us.

Vishukkani is placed a day earlier in the late evening. This is a ritual of arranging auspicious articles which is symbolic of "Prosperity". The important elements to be kept are:

1. An Image | Idol of Lord Krishna

2. A mirror

3. Kanni Poo | Yellow flowers also called as "Konna" | Cassia fistula

4. Currency, coins, gold bangles and a golden finger ring.

5. A fresh coconut, cut into half, one half filled with raw rice and on a coloured paper the Vishu Kanni coin placed, in the other half Kumkum | Vermillion placed.

6. Seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers.

7. A lamp with oil and wick is lit.

8. A new cloth folded out to resemble a fan.

In the wee hours of Vishu, which is called the Brahma Muhurtam | 4.00am to 6.00 am, the Grandmother or Mother, who has made the Vishukkani arrangement, gently awakes the family members and gently lead them to see the Vishukkani. On opening the eyes, one is overwhelmed with the glorious darshanam of Shree Krishna. The mirror is symbolic of Bhagvati | Devi and apart from incrreasing the lustre of the Vishukkani with the refelection of light, also shows our reflection, reminding us that the Almighty is not just some idol in temples but the pure consciousness that is our nature - a peaceful soul. This mirror also is a reminder of the importance of making our mind pure enough to render this truth unadulterated!

Amma then gently places the Vishukkani coin on our eyelids and then we open to see the wonderful arrangement with the prayers in our heart for a prosperous and happy life filled with good health, joy, love and peace. Then Amma Appa with all their love bless us and give us the Vishukkaineetam. 

After the morning ablutions and a visit to offer our respects at the nearby Guruvayur Krishna Temple, we then get busy with the Vishu Sadya | Feast. Normally the feast comprises of something sweet, salty, sour and bitter - all the aspects of life that makes it so interesting!

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About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.