Rema’s Ramblings – Thoughts and Musings from Mumbai to Miami
Celebrating Vishu New Year, Then and Now
Growing up in Mumbai, I looked forward every April to celebrating Tamil New Year or Vishu, which is technically Malayali New Year. As Tamilians from Kerala, many traditions in our family were a blend of Tamil Nadu and Kerala customs. For instance, we celebrated Vishu and Onam, which are typically Kerala festivals and we also celebrated Pongal, a Tamil Nadu festival – I thought it was the best of both worlds!
Vishu coincides with several other New Year celebrations across India, including Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Baisakhi in Punjab and North India, and Bohag Bihu in Assam, among others.
The way Vishu is celebrated was what made it truly special. The night before, my mother would prepare the Vishu Kani, a richly decorated tray filled with yellow-toned items such as yellow flowers, yellow fruits and vegetables, raw rice, a coconut, a brass utensil, a lamp, a photo or idol of Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu, some coins, some gold necklaces, and most importantly, a small mirror.
Why all the yellow? Because yellow is not only linked to Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu who are frequently dressed in yellow attire, but it is also somehow signifies abundance, prosperity and an auspicious beginning to the harvest season.
On the morning of Vishu, which typically fell on or around April 14, my dad would wake me up with his hands gently covering my eyes, and lead me to the Vishu Kani. I would sit down, open my eyes, and take in the sight—the mirror and the vibrant arrangement before me. It was always the most beautiful way to begin the day. The idea was that the first thing you see at the beginning of the New Year is yourself in the mirror and the Vishu Kani. This represents the belief that God is within oneself, not just a distant power. Seeing yourself in the mirror is a symbol of seeing yourself as a part of the abundance displayed in the Vishu Kani.
Next my parents would each give me coins as a token of blessings and good fortune for the year ahead. This ritual reflects the sharing of wealth from the elder generation to the younger generation. It is a belief that wealth shared with others will grow and multiply, thereby setting a positive mindset for the upcoming year.
Now, in Miami, I recently celebrated Vishu at home. The Vishu Kani was not as elaborate as the ones many families create, but the thought was there—and we celebrated it much the same way my family did when I was growing up.
About the Author:
Rema is an IT professional whose experience includes cybersecurity consulting and implementing financial technology solutions in highly regulated environments. She lives in South Florida with her husband. A proud mother of twin boys, she is also an active member of the local Indian community. Rema enjoys traveling to different countries and meeting and working with people of different backgrounds and cultures. Rema is actively involved in the South Florida community and serves as a Board Member of the Indian Regional and Cultural Center, and has also served on the Board of Trustees of the North Broward Preparatory School.
