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Vishu is the first day in the first Malayalam month of Medam (March - April) and Varshapirappu is Tamil New Year.
Vishu -- Rituals
Vishu is the first day in the first Malayalam month of Medam (March - April). This year it falls on 14th April 2002. The traditional rituals followed in the festival is believed to usher in another year of prosperity for the Keralites. The Malayalees make elaborate preparations for this day to ensure that the year ahead will be a fruitful one by following the custom of seeing the Vishukani (auspicious sight) early in the morning.
Vishukani:
On the previous night of Vishu, fresh agricultural produce such as rice, paddy, cucumber, jackfruit, arecanut, coconut and ripe plantains are aesthetically decorated and placed at the feet of Lord Krishna. The little yellow flowers called Konna Poovu which are in full bloom during this season are considered a must in this assemblage which is looked upon as the symbol of prosperity. Precisely at bramhamuhurtham - the auspicious hour just before sunrise, members of the family are brought to this assemblage blindfolded. There is a belief that to catch a glimpse of the reflection of these signs of prosperity in the mirror at the crack of dawn, would bring prosperity to the individual.
Vishukodi and Vishukaineettam:
People buy new clothes (vishukodi) for the occasion and the elders of the family distribute tokens of money to the children, servants and tenants. These tokens are called the vishukaineetam and are usually in the form of coins. People carry on this custom believing that in this way, their children will be blessed with prosperity in future.Vishu Sadya:
While the men and the children engage in bursting crackers, women start cooking a variety of delicacies for the day`s lunch. The feast or the sadya is prepared by the women of the household and the whole family sits down to enjoy the vishu lunch together. The dishes prepared from the vegetables and fruits that are abundant in the season like jackfruits, mangoes, pumkins, a variety of gourds, and coconuts.
The famous temples like Guruvayur, Sabarimala and Padmanabha temple are filled with devotees. Special pujas are held in these temples where the people go to worship and pray for a prosperous new year. They also view the Vishukanis that are prepared in each of these temples.
Varsha Pirappu -- Rituals
Varshapirappu is Tamil New Year. This festivals falls in the month of March/April. There are many customary rituals which are followed on the New Year.
Early in the morning on this day, the entrance is decorated with Kolam (Rangoli). The doorways are adorned with mango leaves to mark the auspiciousness of the occasion. (If mango leaves are not available, flowers can be used). After an early bath, the whole family prays together, after which the children are supposed to take the blessings of their parents. No specific mantra is recited.
Lord Ganesha is offered fruits, sweets and flowers.
Since this festival marks the beginning of the New Year, food prepared is very special, with particular emphasis on pulses and cereals.
In the afternoon they go to the temple for prayers. The rest of the day is spent visiting various relatives, friends and exchanging New Year greetings. Presents given are money, fruits, betel leaves and areca nuts. Gifts are also given to domestic workers and others.
Business people generally start new account books for the new year on this day. Bonuses are often paid on the eve of the New Year.
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