All You need to know about Vishukani
Vishu Kani, or Vishukkani, is a collection of auspicious things that are viewed when one opens one’s eyes on the day of the Vishu festival.
The term “Kani” denotes “that which is seen first.” Additionally, Vishukani, or that which is first seen on Vishu, is a crucial part of this Kerala festival.
Kerala celebrates Vishu as the Zodiac New Year. The list of lucky things changes from place to place and frequently depends on the item’s accessibility.
List of Items for Vishukani
The list of items required for Vishukani is generally divided into 4 types:-
A. Ashtamangalyam
These eight auspicious things, are a must for Vishu. The Ashtamangalyam is common in the arrangement of Vishukani in various regions.
- A large vessel called Uruli made of panchaloham – five metals – or normal Uruli or clean tray. ( People without an uruli typically use any clean tray.)
- Tamboolam – Betel leaves
- Akshatam – a mixture of rice and turmeric
- Dharu cheppu – Kumukumam in a small container
- Grantham – Book usually Bhagavad Gita
- Darpanam – Mirror usually Aranmula kanadi
- Ambaram – Cloth – A nice clean traditional Kerala mundu (Kodi mundu)
- Kramugam: Betel nut
B. Kanikonna
The next most important item on the list is the Kanikonna, a yellow colour flower found throughout Kerala during the Vishu season.
Most people are ready to give a miss to most items in the long Vishukani list but not the Kanikonna. It is a must for all people.
C. Fruits and Vegetables
- Mango fruit along with its small branches and leaves
- Two or more Coconuts with its branch (Thenga Kula)
- At least two Cashew nuts along with small branches and leaves
- Small jackfruit (idichakka)
- Pineapple
- Golden-colored cucumber (Kani Vellari)
- Bananas
- And other fresh vegetables
D. Metals
- Gold
- Coins
- Nirapara (A measuring vessel filled with un-husked rice)
- Kindi (A traditional vessel with a tail used to keep water)
How it is celebrated ?
In front of Lord Krishna statue, Vishukani is kept. Either a silver plate or an uruli is used to hold the goods. Everything else is placed around it. The Nila Vilakku, a traditional lamp from Kerala is also lighted.
In some places, the traditional Kerala mundu is made into a fan shape and is inserted in the Kindi. The mirror is also inserted in it.
The Vishukani is planned the night before. The room where the Vishukani is prepared is often occupied by the eldest female family member.
Early in the morning between 4 am and 6 am, she lights the lamp. Each member of the family is then instructed to close their eyes before being led to the Vishukani.
After the Vishukani, the eldest member of the family distributes the Vishukaineetam – a coin.
