‘Vishu’ celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety

Saturday, April 14, 2012: The Malayali community in Kerala today celebrated their summer harvest festival Vishu with traditional fervour and gaiety.
In wee hours people woke up at homes to see the ‘Vishu Kani’, the ceremony of looking at auspicious articles such as rice, gold, the glowing seasonal flower ‘konna’ and fruits and vegetables tastefully arranged in platters.
There was heavy rush in temples across the state including the famed Sabarimala Ayyappa shrine and Guruvayoor Srikrishna temple, where the ‘Vishu Kani’ was also arranged.
Children enjoyed the festival by bursting crackers since last evening. They also received cash gifts from family elders as part of the tradition known as ‘Vishu Kaineettam’.
The highlight of the festival was a sumptuous feast with several dishes mostly made of seasonal vegetables and fruits such as cucumber, plantine, mango and jackfruit topped with local dessert ‘payasam.