Happy Vishu: Tune into these Malayalam songs while observing the festival
April 14 is observed as Vishu in Kerala. The day marks the first day of the Malayalam calendar. The Hindu festival falls on Medam 1 and it is an occasion of prosperity and joy for Keralites. From cleaning their house and courtyard to offering prayers for Lord Vishnu, the god of time and his incarnation Lord Krishna, Vishu is observed at every Malayali’s home with pomp. The golden shower trees in the state bloom in April and most of the roads are filled with the golden yellow blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna). From preparing the Kani, which signifies prosperity and good luck to slipping into new outfits (Vishu Kodi) and then indulging in a tasty Sadhya (feast), Vishu is celebrated with glory and songs are undeniably a part of the celebrations. Here’s a list of Malayalam songs you can tune into on this auspicious day.
Kanikaanum Neram
The day begins with Vishukkani, where everyone in the family wakes up to the sight of a thali pre-arranged, which has vegetables and fruits, gold, silver, a mirror, and the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna). The word ‘Kani’ translates to ‘that which is seen first’ and beginning a year seeing those beautiful things is believed to be bringing luck throughout the year. And ‘Kanikanum Neram’ song from the 1994 movie 'Omanakuttan' describes all of it.
Chethi Mandaram Thulasi
Lord Vishnu and his incarnation Lord Krishna are worshiped on Vishu as Vishnu is regarded as the God of time. The song ‘Chethi Mandaram Thulasi’ offers prayers to Guruvayoorappan aka Lord Krishna. And the song describes how the kani is set up, the flowers - chethi, mandaram and Tulsi placed in the thali. The song is from the 1969 movie ‘Adimakal’ and it is sung by P Susheela.
Vande Mukunda Hare
If you are a devotee of Lord Krishna, tuning into this song will immediately pull you into the festivity of Vishu. ‘Vande Mukunda Hare’ is a soothing song from the 1993 film ‘Devasuram’. The song is sung and composed by MG Radhakrishnan in the Anandabhairavi raga and is penned by Gireesh Puthenchery. ‘Vande Mukunda Hare’ will translocate you to a magical world.
Unnikanna vayo
Like mentioned earlier, Lord Krishna is the star of the day and ‘Unnikanna Vayo’ is a lullaby. The song is from the 2001 movie ‘Kakkakuyil’. The song is composed by Deepan Chatterji, penned by Gireesh Puthenchery, and sung by Kalyani Menon. ‘Unnikanna Vayo’ consolidates the affection Lord Krishna’s mother has for him.
Ambalappuzhe
‘Ambalappuzhe’ is a song most of the Keralites are familiar with. The song is from the 1992 movie 'Adhwaytham'. The devotional song is soothing and melodious and is something you must tune into on this auspicious occasion. M. G. Sreekumar and KS Chithra have jointly crooned the song.
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