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Kerala Celebrates Vishu With Traditional Food, Colourful Rituals

Kerala welcomed the Malayalam New Year, Vishu, with traditional fervour and gaiety as people celebrated the day by waking up early to see vishukkanni, arranging auspicious items in brass vessels, and preparing sumptuous feasts comprising ethnic delicacies made of seasonal produce. The day marked the beginning of Vishu Vilakku festival season in many temples, and all major temples witnessed a heavy rush of devotees, including political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who extended their greetings to the people.

People in Kerala ushered in the Malayalam New Year, Vishu, on Saturday with colourful rituals, traditional fervour and gaiety looking forward to a season of prosperity and progress. Vishu, which is also celebrated as a harvest festival, falls on the first day of the Malayalam month of 'Medam'. In Hindu households, the day began with family members waking up in the early hours to see 'vishukkanni', the custom of looking at auspicious articles arranged in brass vessels, symbolising hope and prosperity.

Besides seasonal fruits, vegetables and flowers, rice, gold ornaments, clothes, coins and holy texts are arranged on a platter in front of the deity to be the first sight of people when they wake up on Vishu day. Keeping with the tradition, elders followed the practice of presenting money, especially coins, as 'Vishukkaineetam' to youngsters in the family. In the northern parts of the state, the day marked the beginning of 'Vishu Vilakku' festival season in many temples.

The preparation of 'Vishu Sadhya', a sumptuous feast comprising ethnic delicacies made of seasonal produce like cucumber, mango and jackfruit, was also a highlight of the Vishu celebrations in central and southern districts. All major temples, including Lord Krishna's at Guruvayur and Lord Ayyappa's at Sabarimala in the state, witnessed a heavy rush of devotees since the early morning hours.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly V D Satheesan were among those who greeted people on the day. "Vishu greetings to everyone. Wishing you all a great year ahead," Modi tweeted.

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