Published on Apr 15, 2021
Vishu Essay in English : Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, Tulu Nadu region in Karnataka, Mahé district of Union Territory of Pondicherry, neighbouring areas of Tamil Nadu.
The Vishu arrangement typically includes an image of Krishna. People also visit temples like Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple or Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple or Kulathupuzha Sree BaalaShastha Temple to have a 'Vishukkani Kazhcha' (viewing) in the early hours of the day.
Vishu is an extremely significant festival in Kerala and is observed by Hindu Malayalese. This festival indicates joy and prosperity and Vishukkani marks the start of the day.
Vishukanni is the first sight on Vishu day and lot of care is taken while arranging the items in uruli which is a metal vessel. The vessel contains a panorama of religious auspicious items like holy book or Bhagwat Gita, flowers, fruits, gold coins and vegetables.A metal mirror val-kannadi is also placed in the uruli. The ambience is very spiritual and it completed by the image of Lord Vishnu along with 2 oil lamps.
The feast of Vishu is very elaborate and contains various types of dishes. It has almost equal portions of salty, sweet, bitter and sour items.In the evening children enjoy with fireworks, they are also given money by elderly people at home.
In some villages group of young boys and girls entertain people wearing skirt made out of banana leaves and a mask.
Laden with a series of activities both spiritual and fun-filled Vishu festival is a most awaited festival in Kerala. It is said to bring in prosperity along with joy. Prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu for his blessings and every care is taken to keep the ambience spiritual.
The puja room has the specially made Vishukanni also known as Kanai Kanni arranged on anUruli. Gold coins and metal mirror are arranged in the Uruli along with special yellow coloured flowers, golden colour fruits like jackfruit and banana along with vegetables are placed. Akshatam made of turmeric and rice is considered to be very sacred for any puja.
On Vishu morning family member see Vishukanni as the first sight and thereafter the day begins. Various items veppampoorasam(bitter), mampazhappulissery(sour), Vishu kanji(salty) and Vishukatti(sweet) comprise of the sadhya(Vishu feast).
1. A great beginning, an auspicious day
May this Vishu bring happiness your way.
Have a great Vishu.
2. Wishing you an ecstatic, splendid, delightful, lively, sound, awesome, prosperous and to a great degree upbeat Vishu
3. From Vishukkani to Vishu Sadya, may you have the capacity to appreciate the exceptional snippets of the celebration with your family. Cheerful Vishu.
4. You may be miles separated, yet wishing you the favors of the new year that will be filled wityh happy minutes. Upbeat Vishu 2021.
5. May Lord Krishna convey peace to your home and heart now and dependable. Cheerful Vishu.
6. From Vishukkani to Vishu Sadya, may you be able to enjoy the special moments of the festival with your family. Happy Vishu.
7. Let's welcome Vishu with new hope at heart and with great enthusiasm, anticipation and eagerness.
8. May this Vishu bring you delight, happiness, and fulfilment.
Have a prosperous Vishu!
May the Lord’s blessing bring peace to your home and heart on Vishu and always.
Happy Vishu!
9. Ormakal koodu kootiya manasinte thalir chillayil,
Ponnin niramulla orayiram ormakalumayi,
Oru Visshu kaalam koodi varavayi.
Snehathode orayiram Vishu Asamsakal nerunnu
10. Orayiram kanikonnakal manasil pookaan,
oru Vishuu kaalam koodi vannirikunnu,
Ee varsham nallath mathram sambavikatte ennu aashamsichukond
Orayiram Vishu asamsakal
The Sadhya (feast) is a major part of all Kerala festivals. However, special dishes called Vishu Kanji, Thoran and Vishu katta are more important on the new year day. The Kanji is made of rice, coconut milk and spices. Vishu katta is a delicacy prepared from freshly harvested rice powder and coconut milk served with jaggery. For Thoran, the side dish, there are also mandatory ingredients. Other important Vishu delicacies include Veppampoorasam (a bitter preparation of neem) and Mampazhappulissery (a sour or ripe mango soup). Even temple offerings called bewu bella, include a mix of sweet jaggery, bitter neem, and other flavors.
The mixing of sweet, salty, sour, bitter and astringent flavors for the new year Vishu meal is similar to the pacchadi food prepared on new year day such as Ugadi by Hindus in Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the Indian subcontinent. These traditional festive recipes, that combine different flavors, are a symbolic reminder that one must expect all flavors of experiences in the coming new year, that no event or episode is wholly sweet or bitter, experiences are transitory and ephemeral, and to make the most from them.
