Vishu is an important festival for a Keralite. It falls on the First of Medam mostly 14-15th April . Vishu is treated as a beginning of the Malayalam New Year and every keralite wants to start this day auspiciously. The day begins with a Vishu Kani. The day before Vishu itself all the things that are stands for prosperity and good will are arranged in a table. The integral part of Vishu kani is the Konna flower. It is a bright yellow flower that blooms in the month of Mar-Apr. In addition to this fruits, vegetables, rice, dal, coins, gold and a picture of Lord Krishna will be placed in front of the mirror. Everyone is supposed to see the reflection of all these things in the mirror first thing in the morning of Vishu. This is called Vishu Kani. It is believed that seeing Vishu Kani means the coming year will be that of happiness and prosperity in the household.
As a kid my mother used to wake us up in the morning and will close our eyes with her hands and take us to the place Vishu kani is placed. Believe me it is a beautiful sight to watch especially the glow the Konna flower.
Then we are supposed to have a early bath and go to temple. But the best thing of the Vishu as far as we kids were concerned is Vishu Kaineetam. This is the money the elders gave to all the kids on Vishu day. Since Vishu falls in April we will be at our grandparents place with all the cousins and mostly it will be a family get- together. We get money from all uncles and aunties as Vishu Kaineetam. As a kid I used to collect all the money I received for Vishu (Mostly it used to be Rs 1, Rs5 etc.. in those days. Now it has graduated to minimum Rs 10)and will keep it in money bag till the next Vishu. Before the next vishu I will somehow manage to spend it. My brother used to behave like a millionaire on Vishu day. Whatever money he received on that day he will ensure that it is spend before the day is over.
Then there would sumptuous feast in the afternoon with all the traditional dishes and payasam which all of us will thoroughly enjoy.
