Vishu rituals that have persisted and changed in the 21st Century

New beginnings, new wishes and new hope signify the Hindu festival of ‘Vishu’ or the Malayalam New Year that is celebrated in the state of Kerala. Vishu Kani and Vishu Kaineettam are the main two rituals that have been followed by all Hindu families for ages.

Hindus believe that seeing Lord Krishna the first thing in the morning will bring prosperity to the household. Thus emerged the auspicious tradition of Vishu Kani, where the entire family lays their eyes on an elaborate Lord Krishna the first thing in the morning.

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People wake up early to see the decorated Lord Krishna with Kanikonna (yellow flowers), fruits, new dresses, and gold in their halls or pooja rooms. “Family members look forward to this before they start their day,” said Asha.

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“In my childhood, even though our parents couldn’t arrange the Vishu Kani, my siblings and I were excited for the day. Early in the morning, our friends of the same age group from the village would get together to decorate Lord Krishna with lots of flowers and fruits. Then they keep him in front of our house, and they sing all the songs. So when we open our door, we see Lord Krishna as Vishu Kani. Later, we were asked to give some money as Vishu Kaineettam. Even today, I am so happy and thrilled to think about those sweet and cherished memories,” added Asha.

In the olden days, elders would gift the younger family members money or Vishu Kaineettam as a token of good fortune and prosperity. This tradition is still followed today, even if the amount of money given may have significantly increased. This tradition is based on the belief that when wealth is shared, it will inevitably multiply.

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Krishnenthu shares, “I arrange everything the previous night before the festival. Still, no one in the house is allowed to see it till the Vishu morning. I used to wake everyone up and take them to the Pooja room where Lord Krishna is kept sacredly. Then, the elders in the house give VishuKaineettam to everyone.”

Earlier, Sadhya was served to everyone for lunch. But now, not all households follow it. The majority of them include non-vegetarian food in their Sadhyas as not everyone likes to have vegetarian food. “I used to cook Sadhya for Vishu, but now things have changed. Children studying far away come home these days; therefore, they don’t prefer having Sadhya,” said Sheeba.

Though a few traditional customs have changed, the spirit of celebration of this festival remains.