Vishu

Vishukkani

Vishu (Malayalam: വിഷു) is a  festival celebrated by Hindu people in   Kerala and in the Tulunadu region usually in the second week of April. It is celebrated a festival of light and also fireworks. Bursting of firecrackers (Vishupadakkam) is an  important part of the vishu celebration. 

Other elements of Vishu celebration include buying of brand new clothes (Puthukodi) for the vishu, the tradition of giving money to others called Vishukkaineetam  and the Vishu feast of sadhya  which consist of equal amounts of salty, sweet, sour and bitter tasted items. Feast items consists of Veppampoorasam, Mampazhappulissery, Vishu kanji and Vishu katta 

Vishukkani

The most important and marvellous event in Vishu is the Vishukkani, which has a literal meaning "the first thing that is seen on the day of Vishu after waking up".

Vishukkani

The Vishukkani consists of a ritual arrangement of  articles intended to denote prosperit.These are including rice, fruits and vegetables, betel leaves,arecanut, metal mirror, yellow flowers called kani konna (Cassia fistula), holy texts and coins. It is usually in the prayer room of the house. 

Kani konna

 These things are arranged the night before Vishu and is the first sight seen on the day of Vishu. On Vishu, devotees often visit temples . People go to Temples like GuruvayurSree Krishna temple to have a 'Vishukkani Kazhcha' (viewing) in the early hours of the day of Vishu.

Kani Konna

Onam

Athapookalam with Onathappan

Onam (Malayalam: ഓണം) is a festival celebrated by the natives of Kerala, India.  It is also the state festival of Kerala. Onam Festival usually comes during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep). It is celebrated in remembrance of coming of mahabali. It is the harvest festival of Kerala.

Puli kali

The coming of the mythical King Mahabali who is considered as the King. It is one of the festivals celebrated with many number of cultural events. Some of them are include Vallam Kali, Pulikkali, Pookkalam, Onatthappan, Thumbi Thullal, Onavillu, Kazhchakkula, Onapottan, Atthachamayam etc.

Athapookkalam

Onam is an old festival which still survives in modern world too. It is Kerala's rice harvesting festival and the Festival of Rain Flowers, which come on the Malayalam month of Chingam, celebrates the Asura King Mahabali's yearly visit from a place called Patalam  (the underworld). Onam is unique. Since Mahabali has been revered by the people of Kerala from prehistory.The King was so much attached to his kingdom.

Onasadhya

 It is believed that he comes annually from the underworld to see his people living happily. It is in the memory of King Mahabali that Onam is celebrated. The d Vamana, also called Onatthappan, is also remembered during this time by making a clay figure near to the floral carpet (Pookalam) .. 

Mahabali's time is considered the golden era of Kerala. The following song is often sung during Onam time:

Mahabali

Maveli nadu vaneedum kalam,
manusharellarum onnupole
amodhathode vasikkum kalam
apathangarkkumottillathanum
kallavum illa chathiyumilla
ellolamilla polivachanam
kallapparayum cherunazhiyum
kallatharangal mattonnumilla
adhikal vyadhikalonnumilla
balamaranangal kelppanilla