India is a diverse country with every state having its own distinct identity.  South Indian culture forms an integral part of the Indian culture. Tamil Nadu is located in the extreme south of the sub-continent, surrounded by the states of Kerala on the west. Both these states celebrate New Year, on April 14 every year. The festival is celebrated all across India with different names. In Assam, Vishu festival is celebrated as Bihu whereas in Punjab the festival is recalled as Baisakhi.

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Vishu – Malayali New Year

Vishu which means ‘equal’, is the astronomical new year celebration of Hindu’s in the states of Kerala. It signifies the completion of the spring equinox. During this time, the sun passes to the Aries zodiac or the Mesha Raashi.

1. Vishu – Lord Vishnu :

The festival is marked by viewing Lord Vishnu as the first thing on the day. People visit various Lord Vishnu temples to receive the blessings of the lord. It is being believed traditionally, that one’s future is a function of what one experiences and the new year will be better if one starts this day by viewing Lord Vishnu as the first thing. 

2. The Preparation:

Women spend an entire day before the festival on decoration and preparation of auspicious food items. This is the first thing that devotes see on Vishu. Vishukkani setting includes various items like rice, cucumber, jack fruit, coconut, etc. This is followed by one interesting tradition where one member of the family, usually the elderly lights the lamp at dawn, blindfolds other members of the family and brings them to see the setting of Vishu. The most important ingredient is the Konna flower which blooms during the Vishu season.

3. Vishu Kanji And Vishu Padakkam:

The celebration of Vishu is incomplete without Vishu Kanji and Thoran. Vishu Kanji is made up of coconut milk, rice and spices is the main dish. Thoran is the side dish. In different regions of North Kerala, everyone engages in bursting crackers the evening prior to Vishu and also in the morning. Fireworks also referred to as Vishu Padakkam, constitute a huge part of Vishu celebration.

The Malayalam New Year is observed to be a great day to forget past and give a fresh start to life.

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