Fruits, vegetables, gold and silver: Vishukkani is grand and ever evolving

Waking up at dawn to be guided by our parents to see the Vishukkani is probably one of the most cherished and nostalgic memories for those who celebrate Vishu. Over the years, the Kani has evolved — some elements have been replaced, some newly added. Celebs also shared some of their kani memories with us.

Enduring traditions
Uruli
A brass uruli was traditionally used to set up the Kani in the olden days. Writer Sreekumari Ramachandran says, “Everything meant for the Kani used to be kept inside this uruli, and back then, no statues were used.”
Why kanikonna?
The yellow kanikonna flower, which blooms in April, is seen as a symbol of hope and prosperity. There are many stories associated with the use of these flowers, all of which highlight it as a symbol of deep devotion. “It is also a flower that is very much a part of Kerala... even the jackfruit we use for the Kani is like that — something that represents Kerala,” says Sreekumari.
Valkannadi
The Valkannadi is an essential part of the Vishukkani and is believed by some to reflect the divine energy and blessings of Lord Vishnu, while others believe it represents Devi. “We used to place a njorinja mundu alongside it, and one half of a coconut, lighted with a wick inside, would serve as a lamp. The glow from this was almost surreal,” adds Sreekumari.
Fruits commonly used Jackfruit, mango, banana (nendran), cucumber, pineapple, orange
Vegetables
Pumpkin, ash gourd (kumbalanga), snake gourd (padavalanga), bitter gourd (pavakka), Raw banana (vazhakka), drumstick (muringakka) and yam (chena)

We used to deck up our Krishna, too, for Vishukkani: Sshivada

In our younger days, my sister and I would set up the Kani ourselves. We would bathe first and then arrange everything. Along with a small Krishna vigraham, we would set up cucumbers and everything available in yellow and orange shades, including jackfruit, mango, pumpkin, kodi mundu, valkannadi, coins, jewellery, paddy or rice in a para and a sacred text. We also used to decorate Krishna with some kind of jewellery. Our mother would wake us up early in the morning to see the Kani. She would lead us to it with our eyes closed, and then, we would pray together. Now, my daughter, Arundhati, helps me set up the Kani, just as how I used to help my mom in the past. It feels like passing on this beautiful tradition to the next generation.

We use fruits and vegetables that we farm for Vishukkani: Anumol

Since we have a farm, we use items from our own land to set up the Kani. There would be cucumber, coconut, mango, jackfruit, rice, paddy, vegetables, betel leaves, silver coins and bowls, gold, ashtamangalyam thattu, idol of Lord Krishna, valkannadi, a regular mirror, and a variety of flowers including mullappoo, kanikonna, jamanthi, and karolappam (unniyappam). We would also receive kaineettam then and there. My biggest excitement growing up was when my younger sister would touch my feet to receive kaineettam. Now, if I’m home, I help set up the Kani. If not, my mom does it. After the Kani, we usually have a small breakfast —probably a steamed banana — and later, a simple sadhya. My dad used to buy lots of crackers and we had so much fun, with many people coming over during Vishu when I was a child.