Vishu

What

Vishu begins with vishukkani, arranging an auspicious first sight for the new year — rice, fruits, flowers, and a mirror arranged carefully the night before, meant to be the very first thing seen upon waking — followed by fireworks, new clothes, and family gatherings.

Why

The custom rests on a simple but pointed idea: what you deliberately choose to see first, on the very first day, sets a tone worth being intentional about, rather than letting the year's first sight simply be whatever happens to be in view.

Preparation

• Arrange a small vishukkani display the night before, if observing
• Wear new clothes on the day
• Give or receive vishukaineetam, small gifts of money from elders to younger family members
• Consider what you'd like to deliberately set as your own first intentional sight or thought of the day