Why is Vishu a day late this year? Blame it on the sun

Saturday 14 April 2018 03:44 PM IST

by Dr P B Rajesh

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The konna trees have bloomed to herald the advent of Vishu. Mangoes and jackfruits are aplenty. Cucumbers and watermelons offer solace from the summer heat.

Unlike in previous years, Vishu falls on April 15 this year, though the Malayalam month of Medam starts on April 14 itself. The change has something to do with stellar movements.

Vishu falls on the morning after the sun’s transition from Meenam (Pisces) to Medam (Aries). If the transition happens after sunrise, Vishu is observed the next day.

This year the transition, known as Medasamkramam, happens at 8:13 am on April 14. So Vishu falls on the next day.

Vishu is special because the day and the night are of equal length. However, Vishu has been timed to coincide with Medam 1, the first day of the traditional Hindu calendar, which is based on Kollavarsham (Kollam Era), widely used in Kerala.

The first sight of the Vishu day is believed to bring prosperity to the rest of the year. That explains the insistence on agricultural produce, gold articles, scriptures, lamp,silk and flowers with the Krishna idol.

A sumptuous lunch with different kinds of payasam follows. In olden days, families feasted on Vishukanji. Mutton and chicken are not unheard of in a Vishu feast.

Soon after the Vishukkani in the morning, the elder of the family gives gifts to the rest of the family. The ‘Kaineettam’ is supposed to be a guarantee of prosperity for both the giver and the receiver.

Vishu is also the time for future gazing for the rest of the year.

Fireworks light up the sky on the eve of Vishu. That goes on the next night as well. We can never have enough of Vishu, just like childhood memories that linger.

(The writer can be contacted at 9846033337 or 0484 2546421. Email to rajeshastro1963@gmail.com)

Tags: Vishu