| Vishu is the New Year Day of the Keralites all over | | | | eyes in the early morning she sees these auspicious |
| the world. When the sun crosses the equator it is the | | | | items first. This sight is called |
| Astronomical New Year Day for the people of Kerala, | | | | Kani kanal. Then she wakes up the master of the |
| and it happens on the first day of Malayalam month | | | | house, and the other elders if any, to see Vishukkani. |
| Medam. This day is celebrated as New Year Day in | | | | The children are brought blind folded from their rooms |
| Kerala. The Festival is called Vishu, and usually it falls | | | | to watch Vishukkani, and they are given small amount |
| on April 14th. The traditional people of Kerala practice a | | | | of cash on the Vishu Day, which is called |
| lot of colorful rituals and customs on this auspicious | | | | Vishukaineetam. It is a belief that Vishukaineetam |
| day. | | | | ensures prosperity for children. Vishukaineetam is also |
| It is believed that at the dawn of the auspicious day of | | | | given to the workers wishing them prosperity. |
| Vishu, one should see the Vishukkani, set in a circular | | | | Special pujas are held in temples such as Guruvayur, |
| metal vessel called Uruli. Malayalis believe that the | | | | Ambalapuzha and Sabarimala where the people go to |
| fortunes for the year depend on the kind of the | | | | worship and pray for a prosperous New Year. |
| objects one sees first in the morning of Vishu Day. | | | | The male members and the children engage in bursting |
| The Vishukkani is arranged with the auspicious items | | | | crackers to celebrate Vishu, the women folk start |
| such as cereals, coconut, gold ornament, new cloth, | | | | cooking a variety of vegetarian delicacies for the day's |
| betel leaves, arecanut, fruits, vegetables like cucumber, | | | | lunch, called Sadya. Later, the whole family sits down |
| mangoes, and jackfruit, along with the flowers of | | | | to enjoy the Vishu lunch together. Evening is spent on |
| Konna tree (cassia fistula). Behind the uruli, a mirror and | | | | visiting friends and relatives. |
| the garlanded deity of Lord Krishna are also kept. A | | | | Apart from Keralites, people of some other states of |
| metal lamp called Nilavilakku is lighted near it. | | | | India also celebrate their New Year Day on the same |
| The lady of the house keeps the Vishukkani ready in | | | | day. |
| the previous night itself, so that when she opens her | | | | |