Vishu is one of the important
festivals of Kerala. It comes in the month of April. According to the
old traditional Malayalam calendar it is the 1st day of the New Year.
'Kani-Kanal' is the main event of the day. The night before Vishu, the
mistress of the house prepare the Kani. In big pots, coconuts, fruits,
cereals and Konna flower is kept. Behind the pot a mirror and the garlanded
deity of Krishna is kept. Around the deity, lighted lamps will be arranged.
Early morning on the Vishnu day, the master of the house sees the Kani
and then the rest of the family follows. Children's are brought blind
folded from their beds to where the Kani is kept. The elder in the family
give money to the youngsters and bless them. It is believed that the
Kani we see and its good tidings will stay with you till the year ends.
In Kerala the Kani in the temples of Guruvayur, Ambalapuzha and Sabarimala
are famous.
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