Vishukkani

The Vishukkani is the most pivotal ritual of the Vishu festival. The word 'Kani' means 'that which is seen first'. Therefore, Vishukkani means the auspicious sight seen at the dawn of Vishu. It is meticulously arranged in the Pooja room the night before by the eldest female member of the household.

The arrangement is typically made in a circular brass vessel called an 'Uruli'. It includes raw rice, fresh lemon, golden cucumber (Kani Vellarikka), betel leaves, areca nut, metal mirror (Aranmula Kannadi), yellow Konna flowers (Cassia fistula), holy text (Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita), and gold coins. A lighted brass lamp (Nilavilakku) is placed beside it to illuminate the beautiful arrangement.