🌅Vishu Kani - विषुक्कणी

Mesha Sankranti is celebrated as Vishukkani in the Indian state of Kerala. This festival is shared by the same spirit in different parts of India such as Ugadhi in Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka, Bihu in Assam and Baisakhi in Punjab. Malayalees celebrate Vishukkani as the new year. On this day, day and night are almost equal.
This year the festival of Vishukkani will be celebrated on 14th April 2024.

History of Vishukkani:
Vishukkani is celebrated in Kerala from 844 AD onwards from the reign of Sthanu Ravi, Vishu is believed to mark the day when Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. Therefore, the idols of Krishna are kept in Vishukkani. Hindus consider Vishnu to be the God of time and hence Vishnu and his incarnation Krishna are worshiped on this festival.

Significance of Vishukkani:
On this day, the most important event is the sighting of Vishukkani during dawn, which is believed to bring luck throughout the year. In Malayalam, the word 'Kani' means 'one who is seen first', therefore, 'Vishukkani' means 'the one who is first seen on Vishu.'

It is believed that the first thing children see on this day represents abundance. For this, Vishukkan is prepared and children blindfolded are brought to the altar so that they can see the decorations and start an auspicious new year.

Vishukkani Sadya(food) is prepared by Malayali women and includes rice, lemon, golden cucumber, jackfruit, Kanmash kajal, betel leaves, golden yellow konna flowers, an oil lamp, mirrors, coins and currency notes and the image of Vishnu, the Hindu god. things like that are included.This is the auspicious sight that the family members open their eyes first in the morning.

Celebration:
To mark the occasion, people also make kolams (pictures made using rice and flour) in front of the houses. People visit temples and worship the deity, wear new clothes, also burst crackers and enjoy the traditional feast.

Updated: Sep 27, 2024 18:13 PM