The significance of Vishu.
FOR MALAYALIS the world over, April 14 is auspicious. They celebrate Vishu. But there is a widespread misconception that Vishu is the harbinger of the Kerala New Year.
But why this ignorance? There could be many reasons. Mostly indifference, one could say. Also, it coincides with the Tamil and Bengali New Year Day.
So what does Vishu signify? On the day, the Sun leaves Meena Rasi and enters Meda Rasi, it is Vishu Sankraman and Vishu is celebrated the next day. This is near vernal equinox, one of the two occasions of the year when day and night are of equal length, owing to the Sun crossing the Equator.
Vishu Kani and Vishu Kaineetam are the highlights of the celebrations. One the eve of Vishu, a mirror, rice, dal, specified vegetables and fruits, ornaments and coins are arranged in the puja room. In the early hours, the senior most member of the family wakes up and lights the traditional lamp in the Kani. He then wakes up the others and leads them one by one with their eyes closed to the Kani. Then they open their eyes to the light and prostrate before the deity. The oldest member then hands out Vishu Kaineetam, which is one fourth of an anna or three paise. Fireworks add to the happy atmosphere.
As Vishu is different from the Kerala New Year, here are some facts about the Malayali era. Kolla Varsham, as the Era is called, was recognised as the official year in many parts of Kerala till the Indian Constitution cane into force on January 26, 1950. Panchangams of Kerala are still based on this eara. The year begins with the month Chingom (Avani in Tamil calendar) and ends with Karkidagom (Tamil Adi). Before Kolla Varsham came into existence, Kali Abdam is said to have prevailed in the State.
S. BALAKRISHNAN
FOR MALAYALIS the world over, April 14 is auspicious. They celebrate Vishu. But there is a widespread misconception that Vishu is the harbinger of the Kerala New Year.
But why this ignorance? There could be many reasons. Mostly indifference, one could say. Also, it coincides with the Tamil and Bengali New Year Day.
So what does Vishu signify? On the day, the Sun leaves Meena Rasi and enters Meda Rasi, it is Vishu Sankraman and Vishu is celebrated the next day. This is near vernal equinox, one of the two occasions of the year when day and night are of equal length, owing to the Sun crossing the Equator.
Vishu Kani and Vishu Kaineetam are the highlights of the celebrations. One the eve of Vishu, a mirror, rice, dal, specified vegetables and fruits, ornaments and coins are arranged in the puja room. In the early hours, the senior most member of the family wakes up and lights the traditional lamp in the Kani. He then wakes up the others and leads them one by one with their eyes closed to the Kani. Then they open their eyes to the light and prostrate before the deity. The oldest member then hands out Vishu Kaineetam, which is one fourth of an anna or three paise. Fireworks add to the happy atmosphere.
As Vishu is different from the Kerala New Year, here are some facts about the Malayali era. Kolla Varsham, as the Era is called, was recognised as the official year in many parts of Kerala till the Indian Constitution cane into force on January 26, 1950. Panchangams of Kerala are still based on this eara. The year begins with the month Chingom (Avani in Tamil calendar) and ends with Karkidagom (Tamil Adi). Before Kolla Varsham came into existence, Kali Abdam is said to have prevailed in the State.
S. BALAKRISHNAN
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