Menon Astrology

   Vishu- The Harvest Festival and New Year of Malayalis

                                                                                                                          By Astrologer Unnikrishnan Menon

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Medam is the first month in Malayalam Calendar. The Sun enters Aries. The first day of this first solar month is celebrated as Vishu. God of Time ie. Vishnu is worshipped on the day in the Krishna avatar. The highlights of Vishu starts with a Vishukkani.  Kani means the first thing to be seen. The Kani includes several items/ elements that project various significant rituals. The Kani is the first thing seen after one wakes up on this auspicious day to resemble the importance of having a year full of blessings, prosperity, success and abundance.

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• Lord Vishnu is the Creator and he is the Lord of abundance and prosperity. Thus Krishna idol being the main attraction in a Kani.

 

 

 

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• Nilavillakku or Lighted Lamp depicting knowledge and removal of ignorance.
   

• Traditional Uruli made of Panchaloham depicts the Universe and the five elements of Space, Earth, Air, Water and Fire.
   

• Rice depicts Long life.
   

• Traditional “Kodi” cloth-Fan and Valkannadi depicting Devi and seeking her Blessings.
   

• Konnapoovu or Cassia flowers form an important part of the Kani since it depicts the yellow colour of Prosperity in one’s life.
   

• A Mirror is also kept for one to see his/ her own reflection.
   

• Fresh Fruits/ Vegetables like Mango, Bananas, Grapes, Oranges etc. depicting the fresh harvest of the season.
   

• Coconut cut into 2 halves seeking Lord’s blessing and purity.
   

• Holy books like MahaBhagvatham depicting Knowledge and wisdom.
   

• Coins/ Gold Ornaments etc. depicting abundance and Prosperity in Wealth. Vishukainettam is given to younger ones to imbibe in them the value of Sharing.