Vishu festival of kerala

Vishu is one among the religious festival celebrate in Kerala usually in the second week of the April. On the basis of Astrological theory in Vishu has been celebrated in a day when sun is exactly on the equator and the duration of day and night will be almost same. Vishu is considered as astrological New Year in Kerala.

The most significant experience in Vishu is the Vishukkani, which means "the first thing seen on the day of Vishu after waking up from bed". The Vishukkani consist of a ritual display of auspicious articles intended to signify wealth, together with rice, fruits and vegetables, betel leaves, areca nut, metal mirror, yellow flowers called konna holy texts of Hindus and coins, usually in the prayer room (Puja Room) of the house.

As a part of Vishu celebration people of Kerala wear new clothes. People sing, dance and make merry. Firecrackers are also burst to mark the Vishu. Another startling attribute of the festival is the grand sadya (feast) prepared by the ladies at the house. On Vishu special dishes are set using jackfruits, mangoes, pumpkins and gourd besides other seasonal vegetables and fruits. Characteristic feature of a Vishu meal is that the food items consist of roughly equal proportions of salty, sweet and sour items. Popular feast dishes include ‘Veppampoorasam' (a bitter preparation of neem) and ‘Mampazhapachadi' (a sour mango soup).


Read More: Major Festivals of God's Own Country Kerala