India
April 14 becomes the auspicious day when the solar calender marks the beginning of a prosperous new year.
Updated : Apr 14, 2016, 02:24 PM IST
Tamilians and Malayalees all across the globe are celebrating the start of the Hindu new year today. A bright array of pictures and wishes have brightened up the face of social media. Political leaders too, have taken to social media to wish the country on this occasion of Hindu New Year.
President Pranab Mukherjee wished the country and said in a message,"On the auspicious occasion of Vishu, Rongali Bihu, Vaisakhi, Puthandu Pirappu and Naba Barsha, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens."
Tamil solar calendar's first month Chitterai is ushered in with a mix of traditional customs, celebrated on the day of April 14. The tradition of placing three fruits (jack fruit, mango and banana), jewellery (mostly gold or silver), coins, flowers, beetle leaves and a mirror happens on the eve of Puthandu. This then becomes the first thing for the devotees to view upon waking up. Houses are generally decorated with 'kolams', and a feast marks the celebration of a prosperous new year.
A very Happy Vishu & a very Happy Tamil New Year to everyonem@AOLSwamiji @jyothirmayah @swamignantej pic.twitter.com/7d75EuQGGh
— Venkatasubramaniam R (@venkatsraman) April 14, 2016
Wish you a Peaceful, Happy & Prosperous Sinhala and Tamil New Year! pic.twitter.com/qaLoQNauk1
— Shashi Silva (@ShAsHiSLvA) April 14, 2016
Similar to the Tamil way of celebration, the morning begins with the sighting of Vishukkani, which is the first thing devotees view immediately after they wake up. Usually consisting of fruits, vegetables, rice, coins and holy texts, Lord Krishna's statue forms the crux of this beautiful sight as it is decorated with garlands and lighted lamps.
This is followed by the custom of elders giving money to the young ones, symbolic of sharing wealth and prosperity, known as Vishu kaineettam.No festival is of course, complete without a sumptuous meal. Several popular dishes cooked during this are mampazha pulissery, Vishu kanji, Vishu katta, and payasam, amongst others!
This is what every #Vishu celebrating Keralite / Tamilian wakes up to praying for a peaceful happy new year pic.twitter.com/IkfnRkwUL3
— Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) April 14, 2016
Happy Vishu. Our humble vishu kani. (had to buy bunch of kani konna flowers!) pic.twitter.com/nr4MyWBEPF
— राजीवः श्रीनिवासः (@RajeevSrinivasa) April 14, 2016