Vishu Festival in Kerala: A Guide to Celebrations and Traditions
Vishu is a popular festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is a significant festival for the Malayali community and marks the beginning of the Malayali New Year. The festival usually falls in the month of April, and the exact date is determined by the Malayalam calendar. Onam and Vishu are two main festivals in Kerala.
The word "Vishu" means "equal" in Malayalam, and the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal. The festival is marked by the preparation of a special dish called "Vishu Kanji," which is made from rice, coconut milk, and spices. Another important aspect of the festival is the "Vishukkani," which is an arrangement of auspicious items like rice, fruits, flowers, and coins, displayed in a traditional vessel called "urali." The Vishukkani is the first thing that people see on the morning of Vishu, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year.
Overall, Vishu is a festival that celebrates new beginnings and the hope for a prosperous year ahead. It is a time for families to come together, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional delicacies. The festival is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Kerala and is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm every year.
History of Vishu
Legend and Significance
Vishu is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year. The festival is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam, which usually falls in the second week of April. According to legends, the festival is associated with the Hindu god Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have incarnated as Lord Krishna on this day.
The festival is considered auspicious and is celebrated with great fervour by the people of Kerala. The day is marked by the traditional Vishukkani, which is an arrangement of fruits, vegetables, flowers, coins, and other items that are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The Vishukkani is prepared the night before the festival and is the first thing that people see on the day of Vishu.
Evolution of Celebrations
The celebrations of Vishu have evolved over time and have become an integral part of the cultural fabric of Kerala. The festival was originally celebrated as a harvest festival by the farmers of the region. They would offer their first harvest to the gods and seek their blessings for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Over time, the festival came to be associated with Lord Vishnu, and the Vishukkani became an important part of the celebrations. In recent times, the festival has taken on a more secular character and is celebrated by people of all religions and communities.
Today, Vishu is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Kerala, with people wearing new clothes, preparing traditional delicacies, and exchanging gifts with their loved ones. The festival is a time for renewal and hope, as people look forward to a new year filled with prosperity and happiness.
Vishu Customs and Rituals
Vishukkani
Vishukkani is an important ritual of the Vishu festival in Kerala. It is the first thing that people see on the day of Vishu. The word "Kani" means "that which is seen first". The Vishukkani consists of a variety of items, including rice, fruits, vegetables, betel leaves, flowers, coins, and a mirror. These items are arranged in a traditional manner in front of Lord Krishna's idol. The belief is that the sight of the Vishukkani brings good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Vishu Kaineettam
Vishu Kaineettam is an important tradition of Vishu festival in Kerala. It is the practice of giving money to children and younger members of the family. The elders of the family give money, usually in the form of coins, to the younger members of the family. This is done as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Vishu Sadhya
Vishu Sadhya is a grand feast that is prepared on the day of Vishu. It is a traditional vegetarian meal that consists of a variety of dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and payasam. The meal is served on a banana leaf and is usually eaten with hands. Vishu Sadhya is an important part of the Vishu festival and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Vishu Padakkam
Vishu Padakkam is a tradition where people wear new clothes on the day of Vishu. It is believed that wearing new clothes brings good luck and prosperity in the coming year. People, especially women, wear traditional dresses like Kasavu sarees on this day. Vishu Padakkam is an important part of the Vishu festival and is eagerly awaited by people of all ages.
Cultural Performances
Vishu Kali
Vishu Kali is a traditional dance form that is performed during the Vishu festival in Kerala. It is a form of martial art that is performed by men, and it involves the use of swords and shields. The performers wear colourful costumes and move in a synchronized manner to the beat of the drums. The dance is usually performed in the temple courtyard or in open fields. It is believed to have originated from the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu.
Elephant Processions
Elephant processions are an important part of the Vishu festival in Kerala. Elephants are decorated with colourful ornaments and are taken out in a procession through the streets. The procession is accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. The elephants are considered to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and their presence is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the people.
During the procession, people offer prayers and flowers to the elephants as a sign of respect. The elephants are also fed with traditional foods such as rice, jaggery and bananas. The procession is a spectacular sight to behold and attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. It is a unique cultural experience that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Kerala.
Date and Astrological Importance
Vishu is a popular festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala. It is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam, which usually falls in mid-April. The exact date of Vishu is determined based on the solar cycle and the position of the sun in the zodiac.
According to the traditional Malayalam calendar, Vishu marks the beginning of a new year. It is believed that the festival brings good luck and prosperity for the entire year. The word "Vishu" means "equal" in Sanskrit, which signifies the equal length of day and night during the equinox.
The astrological significance of Vishu is attributed to the positioning of the stars and planets. The festival is celebrated when the sun enters the Aries constellation, which is believed to bring positive energy and new beginnings. It is also believed that the position of the stars and planets during Vishu can influence the fortunes of individuals and communities.
On Vishu, people in Kerala wake up early in the morning and view the "Vishukkani", which is an arrangement of auspicious items such as rice, fruits, flowers, and gold coins. It is believed that viewing the Vishukkani brings prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.
In conclusion, Vishu is a significant festival in Kerala that is celebrated on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. Its astrological importance and the belief in good luck and prosperity have made it an important part of the cultural heritage of Kerala.
Regional Variations
Vishu is primarily celebrated in Kerala, but there are some regional variations in the way it is celebrated.
Celebrations Outside Kerala
While Vishu is primarily a Kerala festival, it is also celebrated by Malayali communities living outside of the state. These celebrations often involve traditional rituals and customs, such as the Vishukkani and Vishukkaineettam, as well as cultural programmes and feasts.
In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, Malayali associations organise Vishu celebrations that include traditional dances, music, and food. In the United Arab Emirates, where a large number of Keralites reside, Vishu is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with people decorating their homes and preparing traditional dishes.
Overall, while Vishu celebrations may vary slightly depending on the region, the festival remains an important part of the Malayali culture and tradition.
Impact on Society
Economic Aspects
Vishu festival in Kerala has a significant impact on the state's economy. The festival is an occasion for people to purchase new clothes, gold, and household items. As a result, there is an increase in demand for goods and services, which leads to a boost in local businesses. Moreover, farmers benefit from the festival as they sell their produce at higher prices due to the increased demand.
The tourism industry also benefits from the festival as many people visit Kerala during this time. The state government promotes the festival and organizes various cultural events, which attract tourists from all over the world. This, in turn, generates revenue for the state.
Social Harmony
Vishu festival promotes social harmony and unity among people in Kerala. The festival is celebrated by people of all religions and communities in the state. It is a time when people forget their differences and come together to celebrate the new year.
During the festival, people visit their friends and relatives and exchange gifts. This strengthens the bonds between them and fosters a sense of community. Moreover, the festival is an occasion for people to forgive and forget past grievances and start afresh.
In conclusion, Vishu festival has a positive impact on the society and economy of Kerala. It promotes social harmony and unity and boosts the local economy.
Contemporary Celebrations
Nowadays, Vishu is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in Kerala. The festival is marked with a variety of rituals and customs that are unique to the state. Here are some of the contemporary celebrations of Vishu:
Preparations
Preparations for Vishu begin several days in advance. People clean their homes, decorate them with flowers and rangolis, and prepare special dishes for the occasion. The most important dish is the Vishu Kani, which is a collection of auspicious items like rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, coins, and gold ornaments, arranged in a brass vessel. The Kani is kept in front of a mirror, and the first thing that people see on the morning of Vishu is their reflection in the mirror, along with the Kani.
Traditional Games
On Vishu day, people wake up early in the morning and visit the temple to offer prayers. They then exchange greetings and gifts with their friends and family members. One of the most popular Vishu games is the Vishu Kaineetam, where elders give money to children as a token of love and blessings. Another game is the Vishu Vilakku, where people light traditional lamps in their homes and gardens.
Feasting
Feasting is an integral part of Vishu celebrations. People prepare a variety of dishes, including the traditional Sadhya, which is a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf. The Sadhya consists of rice, sambar, avial, thoran, pachadi, and payasam, among other dishes. People also prepare special sweets like Ada Pradhaman, which is a rice pudding made with jaggery and coconut milk.
Overall, Vishu is a time of joy, happiness, and togetherness in Kerala. The festival celebrates the arrival of spring, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil.
Preservation and Challenges
Despite being a significant festival in Kerala, Vishu faces several challenges that threaten its preservation. One of the primary challenges is the commercialisation of the festival. With the advent of modernisation, the festival has become more about buying new clothes, gold, and other expensive items rather than its traditional values and customs. The focus has shifted from the spiritual aspect of the festival to materialistic desires.
Another challenge is the dwindling interest of the younger generation in the festival's rituals and traditions. Many young people are more interested in celebrating Western festivals such as Halloween and Christmas, which are perceived as more modern and trendy. This shift in interest poses a significant threat to the preservation of the festival's customs and traditions.
Additionally, the festival's celebration has become more challenging due to the changing climate. Kerala's weather has become unpredictable, with the onset of the monsoon season often coinciding with the festival. This has made it difficult for people to carry out the customary activities such as lighting the lamp, preparing the Vishukkani, and visiting the temple.
Despite these challenges, efforts are being made to preserve the festival's customs and traditions. Various organisations are working towards promoting the festival's spiritual and cultural significance. Schools and colleges are organising events to educate the younger generation about the festival's history and traditions. Additionally, the government has taken steps to promote the festival's tourism potential, which has helped in creating awareness about the festival's importance.
In conclusion, while Vishu faces several challenges, it is still celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in Kerala. Efforts are being made to preserve its customs and traditions, and it is hoped that these efforts will continue to bear fruit in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the historical origins of the Vishu festival?
Vishu is an ancient festival that has been celebrated in Kerala for centuries. The festival is believed to have originated during the reign of the Chera dynasty, which ruled over the region from around 300 BC to 1100 AD. The festival is believed to have been celebrated as a harvest festival during this time.
How is Vishu traditionally celebrated in Kerala?
Vishu is traditionally celebrated by waking up early in the morning and viewing the Vishukkani, which is an arrangement of auspicious items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and coins. The Vishukkani is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year. People also wear new clothes, burst firecrackers, and prepare a special feast called Vishu Sadya.
What are the unique customs associated with the Vishu festival?
One of the unique customs associated with the Vishu festival is the giving of Vishu Kaineetam, which is a gift of money given to children and young adults by their elders. Another custom is the lighting of Vishu Vilakku, which is a lamp made of clay or bronze. The lamp is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity and happiness.
Which month typically marks the celebration of Vishu in Kerala?
Vishu is typically celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam, which falls in April according to the Gregorian calendar. The exact date of the festival is determined by the position of the sun and the moon.
What is the significance of the Vishukkani during the Vishu festival?
The Vishukkani is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year. The arrangement of auspicious items is meant to symbolize abundance, wealth, and prosperity. The Vishukkani is prepared the night before Vishu and is kept in a prominent place in the house, usually in front of the deity.
How does the Vishu festival influence the culture of Kerala?
The Vishu festival is an important part of the culture of Kerala and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. The festival brings people together and strengthens the bonds of family and community. The festival also promotes the values of generosity, kindness, and compassion.