Celebrating Vishu in Dubai: The joy of recreating childhood memories from Kerala

Dubai: As April 14 draws near, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement for Vishu, the vibrant festival that signals the start of the new year in Kerala. In Sanskrit, Vishu means ‘Equal’. It was historically celebrated on that day of the summer solstice when the day and night were equal.

Despite living in Dubai for the past five years, the pull of my roots and the memories of my childhood celebrations in Kerala are as strong as ever. The joy of Vishu is a flame I have nurtured despite the distance, illuminating my spirit every year.

Vishu is steeped in tradition, and the excitement begins with the sight of the Vishu Kani—the first glimpse of auspicious items meant to usher in prosperity and happiness for the year ahead. This was my favourite part of the celebration as a child. While many kids eagerly awaited their Vishu Kaineetam, a small gift of money from elders, my heart raced at the thought of my mother’s meticulously arranged Vishu Kani, prepared the night before. I can still picture the gleaming mirror reflecting fresh rice, bright yellow kanikonna flowers, ripe fruits, and golden coins—each element symbolising hope and good fortune for the year to come.

The early morning of Vishu was sacred. My family would rise at dawn, slipping from sleep into the excitement of the festival. My mother would gently close my eyes, instructing, “Open them only when I say so!” My heart raced with eager anticipation. When she finally gave the signal, I would open my eyes to a mesmerizing sight—a vivid tableau of colour and light. It is a moment I hold dear, etched in my memory.

Now, as I prepare to celebrate Vishu in Dubai, those experiences wrap around me like a warm, cherished blanket. Although city life is bustling and the contrasts from my hometown are stark, I have never let go of the opportunity to prepare the Vishu Kani. Every year, I bring a piece of Kerala into my apartment. A selection of flowers from a nearby market, fresh fruits from the grocery store, and a few coins set aside specifically for this festival are integral to my celebration. While it may not match the grandeur of my childhood celebrations, the essence of Vishu remains unaltered.

No celebration is complete without food, and this goes for Vishu too. The Sadhya (feast) is a significant part of all Kerala festivals. Special dishes like Vishu Kanji, Thoran, and Vishu Katta are prepared. Typically, there is a regular Sadhya with around 20 to 24 dishes, although the exact number may depend on our ability to prepare them.

I often think of my siblings and cousins, who settled in various corners of the world, each carrying a piece of Kerala with them. The sights and sounds of Vishu may now be distant from the Kerala of my childhood, yet the spirit of the festival endures. Through our shared traditions, we remind one another who we are, reinforcing our bonds even as we are physically apart. In this sense of celebration, I find gratitude—not just for the festival itself, but for the family that surrounds me, the memories I hold dear, and the journey that has brought us to this moment. Each Vishu allows me to honour the good old days while creating new memories, moving forward with a heart full of hope.

As I look forward to Vishu each year, I embrace the opportunity to relive those joyous moments, and through my humble celebration in Dubai, I strive to keep the essence of my roots alive. Happy Vishu to all! May this year bring prosperity, joy, and togetherness for everyone!