Streets Come Alive during Kerala’s Vishu Festival

Kani Konna flowers

Every year in the month of April, a bunch of yellow flowers envelops Kerala in a surreal,beautiful covering. The old tradition of Vishu is just one reason why you should travel in Kerala during April . As per the Malayalam Calendar, Vishu is traditionally celebrated as a New Year. Vishu itself is a travel -   the transition of sun into the Meda Raasi i.e. first zodiac sign and falls on the spring equinox.

Since I work in Thiruvananthapuram and my home being in Kochi, I have been traveling this 200 kms every weekend. But this time, I have my camera with me. I tried to capture the changes in the nature, traditions and festivals.

The month of April is a month of festivals as well. There are numerous temples on this stretch. Processions are part of temple festivals.  Elephants, Theyyam and drum beats accompanied by fans is a sight to behold. It is a photographer's delight.

Street markets is the best place to get the Vishu vibe.  Beautiful idos of Lord Krishna, crafted to perfection, are displayed for sale in different colors and style. These idols are made of plaster of Paris.

I spotted Kani Konna flower (Scientific name Cassia fistula) on the sides of the highway. Exceptionally picturesque beauty of this golden yellow flower resulted  in a frequent halt for photography.  This yellow flower is an integral  part of 'Vishukani'.  You can also watch people stroll around looking to get a bunch of these yellow flowers.

During my childhood, when the schools were closed, I used to travel to my hometown to celebrate Vishu.  This is an occasion of get-together for families.  The most important event of this occasion is 'Vishukani' which means the first object viewed  in the early hours of the morning on the day of Vishu after waking up .  After seeing the Vishukani, we burst fire crackers and wait for our parents to give the Vishukaineetam -  the tradition of giving money by elder people in the house.

Usually I have been seeing Vishukani arranged in my house. But this time, I decided to visit Guruvayoor temple  to see Vishukani. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.

The arrangement of 'Vishukani' consists of all the auspicious items intended to signify prosperity. It is a cherished tradition to place gold ornaments, jack fruit, rice, fruits and vegetables, valkannadi or metal mirror, Kani Konna, holy texts, money, all kept on a brass vessel called Uruli along with a traditionally lit lamp around Lord Guruvayurappan. It is a great way to start the beginning of the new year.

We also mark this auspicious day as the first day of the harvest year.  As am born and brought up in a traditional agriculture family, I still remember my childhood days. After the first rain, each day starts with the lovely music of  the bird - vishupakshi -  usually seen in paddy fields. It was a reminder to the farmers and background music to the beginning of farming activities. The tenth day of the  Malayalam month 'Medam' is known as Pathamudayam and is important to  start agricultural operations. On this auspicious day pooja is  performed in paddy fields.

Festivals without food is incomplete. On the occasion of Vishu, various dishes are prepared at home. The special feast is known as  Vishu feast or Sadya. Vishu Kanji ( made up of rice, cumin seeds and coconut milk),  jack fruit dishes and various payasam's are the other delicacies made in the households during the festival.

This beautiful season is not just for celebration but to taste new cuisines as well. I found this travel very interesting  and refreshing.