Vishu, the festival that every Keralite look forward to has a special outlook, for it renders happiness and give rise to new hopes and fruitful future.
The day of Vishu in the Kerala tradition signifies the sun’s transit into the Meda Raasi. According to the religious significance, Vishu marks the first day of the astronomical year and hence Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, are worshipped as they are considered the ‘God of Time’. It is also believed that on this day Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura and therefore Krishna idols are kept for the Vishukkani.
Vishu in Sanskrit means “equal” and the festival also denotes the completion of spring equiox.
It is a celebration mode for people and especially children, as they are given ‘kaineetam’ (money given to younger ones) and burst crackers early in the morning, after having the first sight of Lord Krishna (Vishukkani) when they wake up from the sleep.
The Malayalam word “kani” literally means “that which is seen first”, so “Vishukkani” means “that which is seen first on Vishu”. The traditional belief is that one’s future is a function of what one experiences, that the new year will be better if one views auspicious joyful things as the first thing on Vishu. Therefore, Malayali’s spend the day before preparing a setting, usually a tray, of auspicious items. This setting is the first thing they see when they wake up on the Vishu day.
However, this year, the world has come to a standstill due to the unfortunate outbreak of coronavirus pandemic. Yet, the Keralites have not lost their enthusiasm and followed the tradition by being at home during the lockdown announced by the Government.
Let us all pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna on this auspicious day to shower his blessings and protect the world from the pandemic.
Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu!
Team Janam TV wishes you all a very happy and prosperous Vishu!
