Vishu
Vishu is one of the major festivals of Kerala. It is
celebrated on the first day of Malayalam month Medam, which usually falls on
the 14th of April. When sun crosses the equator on the Malayalam month Medam,
it is Astronomical New Year Day for the people of Kerala, which falls in April,
mostly on the 14th. Vishu is a symbol of good luck, hope and prosperity.
Vishukkani
It is believed that at the Vishu pulari, (the dawn of the
auspicious day of Vishu,) one should see the Vishukkani, as the first sight of
the New Year, to have a prosperous and peaceful year. Vishukkani is a
collection of several auspicious things such as grains, vegetables,fruits,lamp,
flowers, coconut, gold, mirror , Ramayanam or Bhagavatgita (Hindu holi books) etc.
set in a large uruli, a circular vessel (made of panchaloham - five metals), with
the image of Lord Krishna, in the puja room. The golden color Konnappoo, (Cassia
fistula) which usually blossoms during this time only, is the special flower
used for this purpose.
Coconut, full or halves?
This year, while preparing Vishukkani on 13th night,
a thought occurred to me. Instead of breaking the coconut, as I sometimes do, I
kept it intact. It symbolized the ego of my husband and me. I conversed with
the Universe, ‘I am keeping this overnight. Please do whatever is destined for
us’.
In the morning we saw the Vishukkani, and I was busy with
other household works. After breakfast, I removed the Vishukkani from the puja
room and to my surprise and joy, I saw two clean crack lines on the coconut. As
if the Universe is cracking the ego of both of us!
Unique design
I have seen coconuts cracking open before too, but never in
this fashion. Here are two clean, straight line cracks, symbolizing that the
Universe has started working on us. For those who are on the spiritual path, it
is a matter of great happiness and encouragement!
Ref:
http://hubpages.com/holidays/Significance-of-Vishu-a-Kerala-festival
