New year in tradition ..

Time to ring in the new year traditionally...
In my world it falls on the first day  of the malayalam month of medam ( around April 14). Vishu in sanskrit means equal and it  signifies equal number of hours in a day and night or an equinox . This spring equinox is the harbinger of the sowing season .The highlight of the new year festivities is the "Kani Kaanal " or looking at the Kani.Kani means" that which is seen first "and what better way to start a new year by seeing a vishu kani speacially set up with all things auspicious . grains, fruits ,vegetables, gold. Care is taking to choose those vegetables and fruits that are yellow/green hued!

The golden flowers of the kani konna also find a place of prominence in the vishu kani.

The matriarch of the home sets up the kani, on new years' eve late in the night and is up before all to light the lamp at the altar on which the kani is set up , welcoming the new year and ensuring all in the home wake up to this sight ..

Here's to new beginnings !