Kerala Hindus Celebrating Vishu

By BIJu PIllaI

Houston: Kerala Hindus of North America (KHNA), established in 2001, is set to celebrate Vishu with traditional fervor on Saturday, April 15th from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm at Sri Meenakshi temple auditorium, Pearland. This event is co-sponsored by the Board of Sri Meenakshi Temple Devasthanam, one of the oldest and famous traditional South Indian temples of greater Houston.

Vishu is the spring harvest festival of Kerala that falls on the first day of Malayalam month, Medam. The festival is believed to bring enlightenment and prosperity to the community. Vishu is renowned for its ceremonies, traditions, and delicacies. KHNA Houston celebrates Vishu with Vishu Kani, Vishukaineettam, cultural programs and traditional sadya. The celebrations begin by waking up and viewing the Vishu Kani which is basically a ceremonial placing of auspicious articles such as special yellow flowers (Kani Konna, Cassia fistula), fresh fruits and gold ornaments. The traditional metal lamp called Nilavilakku is also lighted and placed beside the Vishukani and

Lord Krishna idol.

Followed by Vishukani darshanam (viewing), elders offer cash (coin) to younger members in a ceremony called Vishukaineettam giving. A sumptuous feast “Vishu Sadya’ will be a major attraction for this event. The traditional feast is made up of more than 15 items typically served on plantain leaves. Sharkaraveratti, Banana chips, Injipuli, Pappadam, Thoran, Kaulan, Olan, Avial, Sambar, and Dal with Ghee, Moru (butter milk), Erisheri, Pulleseri, Kichadi, and Pachadi, along with popular desserts such as unniappam, ada pradhaman, palpayasam are the traditional items in this feast. Unnisadya (ceremonial feast) is being organized for children under the age of 11.

Admission for the Vishu event is free; however, RSVP is requested. Please call Vishu committee members or email to khnahouston2023@ gmail.com confirming your attendance. Those who have not responded yet, kindly send your RSVP and contact Dhanisha Sam (818-428-0314) or Madhu Cherickal (832-640-5400) to participate in the cultural program or the Vishu event.

KHNA president GK Pillai and Convention chair Dr. Ranjith Pillai cordially wish to inform you that elaborate arrangements are being made for the 12th Biennial Hindu Convention to be celebrated in the heart of Houston in November 2023.

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