Vishukkani and Vishu Kaineettam

Vishu Kani is the most important event of Vishu. Vishu Kani literally means "the first thing to be seen on Vishu day". Vishu Kani is a traditional ritual of arranging several auspicious things to be seen on the Vishu dau in the early morning. Some of the important things which are arranged include an idol of Lord Krishna, Nilavilakku, Kanikonna flowers (Classia fistula), raw rice, golden cacumber, betel leaves, areacaunut, metal mirror, coins and coconut. The custom is that every member of the family has to wake up at dawn and go the puja room or the place where Vishukkani is arranged and open the eyes and see the Vishu Kani as the first sight for a better year ahead. 

We have celebrated the Vishu at Thakazhy, my native place, along with our family. All the family members were present on the Vishu day and seen the Vishu Kani which was arranged in our pooja room. Children were enjoyed this event with fire crackers. On the day of Vishu they got vishu kaineettam from the elder members of our family.

 Vishu Kaineettam is a ritual of giving money (earlier it was gold and silver coins) by elder members of the family to children, tenants and servants.