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Spiritual Significance
Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year and the astrological new year as the sun enters Mesha (Aries) rashi. The most important ritual is the Vishukkani โ a auspicious sight first thing in the morning arranged in front of an idol of Lord Krishna with rice, fruits, gold, new clothes, and yellow kanikonna (cassia) flowers. This first sight of the new year is said to determine the year's prosperity.
How to Celebrate in United States
Observing Vishu in United States is highly auspicious. Because local timezone sunrise and moonrise times differ, follow these practices:
- Align Fasting with Local Sunrise: Start your vrat precisely at sunrise in New York (approx 06:00 local time), rather than following Indian Standard Time.
- Perform Puja during local Auspicious Hours: Make sure to perform the main rituals during local EST evening/night windows as shown above.
- Vishukkani โ arranging and viewing the auspicious display before dawn
- Kaineetam โ elders giving cash gifts to children
- Wearing new clothes (Puthukodi)
- Visiting Vishnu and Krishna temples
- Preparing and eating traditional Sadhya (feast on banana leaf)
Auspicious Items to Prepare
๐ธ Kanikonna (cassia) flowers๐ธ Gold ornaments๐ธ Ripe jackfruit๐ธ Kani Vellarikka (yellow cucumber)๐ธ New clothes