Celebrate new beginnings: A step-by-step guide to setting up your Vishu Kani

Dubai: Vishu, the exuberant festival celebrated predominantly in Kerala, marks the onset of the New Year and heralds the arrival of spring and this year it's on April 14, Monday. Central to this celebration is the Vishu Kani, a traditional arrangement that embodies the spirit of prosperity, abundance, and renewal.

The Vishu Kani is not merely a visual display; it is a profound ritual that symbolizes the hope and blessings one seeks for the year ahead. As the sun rises on Vishu morning, families gather to witness this sacred setup, which includes vibrant fruits, fragrant flowers, and gleaming ornaments, each element meticulously chosen for its significance.

This beautiful tradition fosters a sense of togetherness and optimism, inviting good fortune and joy into homes as everyone embraces the promise of new beginnings. Whether you're familiar with this practice or experiencing it for the first time, setting up a traditional Vishu Kani at home is an enriching and meaningful way to celebrate the festival.

Choose Your Location: Start by selecting a prominent and well-lit spot in your home—often a place where you will first see the Kani upon waking up, typically a corner in hall of your living room.

Uruli - At the heart of the Vishu Kani lies the brass uruli, a stunning and ornate vessel that elegantly holds an assortment of vibrant vegetables and fruits, symbolising abundance and prosperity. (If uruli is not available, you can use banana leaves that are available in supermarkets.)

Kanikonna- Adorning this sacred setup is the Kanikonna flower, also known as the golden shower tree blossom (cassia fistula)

Valkannadi - A traditional mirror, the Valkannadi takes centre stage, typically crafted from brass or silver. This reflective piece is not just an ornament; it is believed to mirror the divine, capturing the essence of sanctity within the Vishu Kani.

Nilavilakku - Flanking the mirror is the Nilavilakku, a magnificent traditional lamp, usually fashioned from brass or bronze. When lit at dawn on Vishu, its flickering flames symbolise the triumph of light over darkness, infusing the atmosphere with warmth and positivity.

Vegetables and Fruits - The Kani is rich with nature's bounty, featuring seasonal delights like mangoes, jackfruit, cucumbers (kani vellari), pineapples, coconuts, and bananas. Each item is carefully chosen not only for its beauty but also for its significance in ushering in good fortune.

Thiru udayada - Adding a touch of elegance is the Thiru udayada, a decorative cloth piece that embellishes the Kani, enhancing its visual appeal and signifying the beauty of tradition.

Kindi - The Kindi, a traditional water vessel, plays a sacred role in the ritual. It is used to pour water over the idol of Lord Krishna, linking the act of purification with the auspiciousness of the Vishu Kani, as the water is later employed to cleanse the eyes before gazing upon the setup.

Para- A traditional vessel known as the Para is included to hold grains and other food items, symbolising the abundance of the harvest and the blessings of prosperity.

Pudava- The rich, beautifully woven Pudava, representing traditional Kerala attire, adds a cultural flair, serving as a reminder of the festive spirit that accompanies Vishu.

Coins and gold ornaments - Nestled among the offerings are coins and lovely gold ornaments, strategically placed to signify wealth and prosperity, invoking divine blessings for a fruitful year ahead.

The preparation of the Vishu Kani is a meticulous and sacred process. It begins with the careful gathering of all essential items: the exquisite brass uruli, fragrant betel leaves, vibrant flowers, grains of rice, an array of juicy fruits and fresh vegetables, sparkling gold ornaments, and glimmering coins.

First, the uruli is centrally positioned, and the other components are thoughtfully arranged, with the Valkannadi mirror reflecting the beauty of the setup. Flowers, particularly marigold and kanikkonna, are delicately placed to beautify the arrangement. The final touch is the careful placement of rice and fruits like jackfruit, ripe mangoes, and golden bananas, which together create a feast for the eyes.

As the day breaks, lamps are ignited around the Kani, signifying the victory of light over the dark. The Vishu Kani embodies a rich tapestry of tradition, serving as a grand invitation for prosperity and good fortune as the new year unfolds. It is not merely a visual spectacle but a profound ritual that nurtures hope and joy as families come together to embrace new beginnings. It is believed that seeing the kani, the first thing in the morning, will bring you happiness and prosperity for the rest of the year.