Vishu, the rural Kerala way
Village Square set out on an exploratory journey, talking to people from different villages in Kerala to understand the varied nuances of Vishu celebrations.
India is rightly called a land of diversity, a great nation where diverse people with varied beliefs, tastes and aspirations co-exist. It is also interesting and amazing to see how cultural expressions vary within a region or a state, bringing freshness and allure.
The second and third weeks of April usher in the harvest festival in many parts of India. Known by different names such as Baisakhi, Bohag Bihu or Vishu, the underlying reason is to celebrate the start of the new agricultural season.
About Vishukani
Vishukani or the auspicious sighting is the widely prevalent aspect of festivities. Homes are cleaned ahead of the festival to get rid of the old and make way for new beginnings. New clothes are in order.
Vishu day begins at 4 am with a sighting of the auspicious Kani complete with seasonal vegetables and fruits, coins and gold. A ghee lamp with five wicks is lit. The bright yellow flowers of Cassia fistula or Kanikonna is an integral part of the Vishukani as it symbolises prosperity and goodness.
Ahead of the Vishu day, the prayer room or the pooja muri (in Malayalam) is decked up with offerings to Lord Krishna. The choicest fruits and vegetables of the season are richly arranged to evoke abundance.
Bindu Pallichal, an entrepreneur from Nemom in the Thiruvananthapuram district, elaborates upon the festival saying, “Vishu day begins at 4 am with a sighting of the auspicious Kani complete with seasonal vegetables and fruits, coins and gold. A ghee lamp with five wicks is lit. The bright yellow flowers of Cassia fistula or Kanikonna is an integral part of the Vishukani as it symbolises prosperity and goodness.”
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Receiving kaineetam or gifts of money or clothes from the elderly is considered a blessing. “An elaborate sadya (feast) with payasam (rice porridge) and varieties of side dishes follow,” adds Bindu.
Tribal farmer Padma Shri Cheruvayal K Raman of Mananthavady, Wayanad says that Vishu festivities in their community span three days – Vishu Sankramam, Vishu (Medam 1) and Vithuedal Karmam or seed sowing.
“The festival is all about welcoming the new crop. The Vishukani offerings are made to lord Ganapathy and include nellu (paddy seeds), aval (flattened rice), malar (popped rice), betel leaves and arecanut. Charitable activities are also encouraged during this period.” the senior farmer adds.
Raman also rues the fact that festivities have shrunk as compared to earlier times in the face of the nuclearisation of families.
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Community spirit
Community vibes are seen at their best during Vishu festivities as can be understood from a practice followed in Urukunnu of Kollam district in south Kerala.
Revathy Raj, a resident, talks about a system that was followed under the aegis of the local temple, until pre-Covid times. “Not all can afford the items for the elaborate Vishu Kani. So temple volunteers deck up the kani in front of homes that cannot set them up,” she says.
She explains further that, “Volunteers are up at 1 am and visit needy homes. Bells are rung to awaken and invite the family members for the new year’s auspicious sighting. Kaineetam or gifts of coins are given to the family members as well.”
Considering that Vishu is also considered the harvest festival, people in the Mundoor region of Palakkad offer respect to oxen through a practice called Vishu Vela.
Says Chandrasekharan, a resident of Mundoor, “Agricultural work on paddy fields starts on the day of Vishu. Vishu Vela is held a day after Vishu and is celebrated mainly in temples dedicated to the Goddess known as Kavukal. Grandly decorated effigies of oxen are taken out on a procession, community members participate to witness the event. The Vishu Vela of Ezhakkad Kunnappulli Kavu in Mundoor is very popular for the large number of ox effigies.”
Unlike the elaborate sadya feast in parts of Kerala, Palakkad has a tradition of having Vishu kanji and a jackfruit side dish called erissery for lunch. “The Vishu kanji is a rice gruel enriched with green gram and a local variety of beans called puli avarakka. Papads and pickles complete the meal,” adds Chandrasekharan.
Definitely, not a festival to be missed!
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The lead image on top pictures the Vishu Vela in Mundoor region of Palakkad where respect is offered to the oxen. (Photo courtesy Chandrasekharan )
Rema Sundar is a development sector professional.
