Karnataka - Bangalore

In anticipation of better times

BANGALORE: A string of New Year celebrations for different communities has been witnessed over the past few days. Come Monday, the significant population of Malayalis in the city will celebrate Vishu, the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam.

Legend has it that the festival is a celebration of the creation of Kerala by Parashurama. This day is thus believed to hold out the promise of new beginnings in people’s lives. On this auspicious day, Malayalis wake up to see Vishukanni, a special ritual arrangement of agricultural produce such as rice-grains, coconuts, fruits and vegetables. Bright yellow Konnapoo flowers, new clothes and gold coins complete this arrangement made in a special metal vessel, called the uruli. Placed before the portrait of Lord Vishnu, and in the aesthetic light of the traditional lamps, this enchanting spectacle is a visual treat of reverence and splendour.

It is believed that seeing Vishukanni first thing in the morning will bring prosperity and happiness throughout the year. The Vishukanni is followed by another important ritual, Vishu Kaineetam, where older members of the family give money as blessings to the younger ones. And finally, the celebrations of the day are wrapped up with a Sadhya, where the whole family sits together to enjoy the numerous delicacies. “The festival makes me feel like part of a community. In the daily routine of life we are so busy with our lives that we hardly ever feel this sense of community,” says Geetanjali Warrier, a student. The Kerala Samajam in Bangalore, in keeping with the grandeur of the festival, will hold this puja in all its branches spread across the city.

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