Vishu is the auspicious New Year day of the Keralans. The initial month of Malayalam Calendar is Medam (April-May) and the first day of Medam is distinguished as Vishu, the New Year day. It is a common belief that the fortune of the coming year depends on the first day. So the first day begins with ceremony of Kani Kanal, which means first sight of a new beginning.

Other eye-catching features of this day are Kaayi neetal where the elder members in the family gift money to the younger ones.

At the dawn, people begin their first day of the Year by waking up in front of Kani. The Kani is taken to be the lucky sight or gift and includes gold ornament, white cloth, a measure of rice or paddy, bell metal mirror, flowers of the Konna tree (Cussia fistula), halved jack fruits, halved coconuts, some coins in the silver cup, some mangoes, yellow cucumber, and two standing oil lamps. The lights symbolize the radiance of a new beginning.

The tradition of arranging the kani has been observed for generations. Family members are taken blindfolded, and then their blindfolds are removed and they view the Vishu kani. As in other Indian festivals, a great feast is arranged at the end of the day to please every palate with traditional cuisines of kerala.

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