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Vishu Memories

Vishu symbolizes the start of a new sowing season
in Kerala and rejuvenates Keralites to bring in a new
year filled with bountiful harvest and family life
filled with happiness and prosperity. It falls on the
13th or 14th of April every year. the day of the
Summer solstice or Equinox. No matter how many
Dr. Geetha Nair
Vishus I have celebrated in my life, Vishu memories
from my childhood days remain very special in my
heart.
As a child, I remember how my mother would wait
for us to sleep and then start arranging a beautiful
Vishukkani that we would be able to wake up to the
next morning. Excitedly I would fall asleep knowing
that next day will be fun filled.

Early Vishu morning before sunrise, my mother
would wake me up and lead me blindfolded to the
spot where the Vishukkani was set up. There she
would take the blindfold o … and then I could see
the most beautiful sight of a Vishukanni decorated
with fruits, vegetables, lovely yellow konna flowers,
gold ornaments, and a portrait of my favorite God,
Lord Krishna!

While most of us are aware of the Vishu rituals,
I would like to highlight the spiritual aspects of this
celebration.

A ‘yellow’ color that pervades the Vishukkani
signifies bright and positive energy in the Universe
and is the favorite color of Lord Krishna, the main
deity of worship for Vishu.