Prayers, ceremonial feast mark Vishu celebrations by Malayali community in Chandigarh

The local Malayali community in Chandigarh celebrated the 54th year of Vishu celebrations on Wednesday, transitioning from private family rituals to grand communal gatherings. The festival, which signals the Malayali New Year, was observed with focus on prosperity and preservation of age-old customs.

The day began in the early hours of the morning with the Vishu Kanni. Following tradition, family members were led through their homes with their eyes closed, to a decorated altar. This arrangement, featuring yellow cucumbers, mangoes, jackfruit and gold coins placed beside oil lamps, is intended to be the first sight to ensure abundance.

In households across the sectors, this was followed by Vishu Kaineetam. The head of each family distributes currency to younger members, symbolising a share of luck and financial stability for the months ahead.

By evening, the celebrations moved to the Sree Ayyappa Temple in Sector 47-C. The temple premises were filled with women dressed in traditional sarees, and the air was thick with the sound of bhajans.

Explaining the significance of the morning rituals, TA Shaji, president of Ayyappa Temple noted that the festival bridges the gap between generations. “Vishu Kani is more than just a display of harvest, it is a lesson in gratitude. By ensuring the first thing we see is the earth’s bounty, we set a positive intention for the entire year,” he said.

The evening festivities were led by the temple president, who oversaw the ceremonial prayers. The event concluded with a traditional feast, where devotees gathered to share a meal, bringing the quiet morning rituals of the home into a vibrant public celebration of community and heritage.