Vishu is a harvest festival – An occasion to thank God for a bountiful harvest. To meet friends and relatives in new clothes over a meal.
To crack jokes and enjoy fireworks. A day to begin with new hopes and ideas, to charge like a boisterous Ram into the unknown future. Vishu is the celebration of the young, for the young and by the young. Elders play only second fiddle. Children and teens are woken up early in the morning of the Vishu day for darshan (“kani”) of the specially decorated altar. They giggle and wobble while led to the sanctum with their eyes closed. Then a new bright world of yellow flowers, fruits, grains, gold coins and new clothes unveil in front of them – A veritable feast for the eyes and imaginative mind.
The eldest (“karanavar”) in the family gives away gifts (“kaineetam”) of coins and clothes to all members of the household including guests and domestic helps – An opportunity to renew and deepen human bonds.
The most significant harvest that Vishu celebrates is the attainment of inner qualities and the resultant spiritual awakening. The blossoming of the Self in all its splendour. The harvesting of inner love and joy and sharing them with one and all.
Vishu is a day of self-renewal.
Love,
Swami Bodhananda