Vishu Kani 2023 Date, Time, Rituals, and Significance
Vishu Kani is a holiday observed in the Indian states of Kerala and Kanyakumari, as well as the diaspora communities of these states. Therefore, it always occurs in the middle of April on the Gregorian calendar, around April 14th. The event is characterized by spending time with family, creating colorful auspicious goods, and viewing them first thing on Vishu day.
According to the Malayalam calendar, Vishu is the first day of the Medam month and the beginning of Meda Rashi, the first zodiac sign. According to the solar calendar, it denotes the vernal equinox and occurs in the second week of April.
Vishu Kani 2023 Date
Saturday, 15 April 2023
Rituals of Vishu Kani
- On this auspicious day, individuals begin their day with dawn prayers.
- Visukkani, which comprises of cucumber, rice, arecanuts, betel leaves, gold decorations, new garments, a holy granth, coins in a silver cup, mangoes, jackfruit, metal mirror, fresh lemon, and a lit metal lamp, is arranged by the mother of the household. The family members are expected to view these items first upon awakening.
- In Kani, a rare yellow flower named Konna is required.
- During the puja, the holy scripture of Ramayan is chanted, and it is widely held among Malayalees that the recital will have sacred repercussions on all family members.
- A special feast known as sadya is prepared with equal attention to all flavours that should be present in the meal. A typical meal includes rice, sambar, chips, pickle, aviyal, rasam, and several types of desserts and payasams.
- For this occasion, an unique rice variety is prepared. This dish is called Kanji and is made with premium rice, coconut milk, and condiments.
- Elders of the family offer new clothes and money as gifts to friends and relatives as a sign of their blessings.
- Later, children let off firecrackers.
- On this day, people also visit temples to offer prayers.
- On this day, people distribute pennies to the impoverished.
- On this day, people typically wear their finest attire, while women love to wear gold jewellery. Men wear khadi shirts together with the traditional mundu.
Significance of Vishu Kani
Vishu History is of significant importance to the adherents. Vishu is observed on the first day of Medam or the month of Malayalam, or between the Gregorian calendar months of April and May, and signifies the onset of spring. In Kerala, the Hindu festival Vishu is celebrated as the harvest festival and the astrological New Year of the Malayalis. Vishu signifies the sun’s movement into Aries or Mesha Rashi and is the day when farmers begin ploughing and other agricultural chores.
Vishu is the day on which Lord Krishna slew the demon Narakasura, according to one of several mythical stories. According to one legend, Vishu is also known as the return of Surya Dev. According to various folktales, Ravana, the demon king, never enabled Surya Dev or the Sun God to rise from the east. After Ravana’s death, the sun, or Surya Dev, began to rise from the east on Vishu’s day. Since then, Vishu has been celebrated with great fervour.
