A Dash of Positivity Amidst COVID-19
Festivals are the time that we all love. We get to spend time with our loved ones and get into the spirit of things. However, in recent times, many people don’t do this. Instead, they just do the main rituals and that enjoyment lasts for a few minutes or max an hour. After which we spend the day as usual. I have been celebrating Vishu like this for many years. But this time for Vishu, the Kerala New Year, at my house it was completely different.
The previous night, my parents arranged the Vishu Kani. It is a spread of many things that indicate prosperity. Rice, money, gold, fruits, mirror, cloth, and many more. Not to miss the ‘Konna Poo’ or the golden shower flower, a mandatory part of the Kani.
The next morning, I woke up but was told to keep my eyes closed (the tradition of course). Then my mom closed my eyes with her palms and led me to where the Kani was placed. Apparently, the Kani is the first thing to be seen on the day of Vishu. She released her palms and I saw the elaborate Kani glowing in the rays of the oil lamp. Then I got the Vishu Kaineetam from my parents. This is money we get from elders as a blessing.
In the morning itself, we dressed in our traditional attire. The preparation for the Sadya was in full swing in the kitchen. Sadya is the traditional lunch platter served on a banana leaf. It is a must-have for every Keralite occasion. Everyone joined in the preparation and it was real fun working together as a team. It was a delight to see those traditional delicacies getting cooked. I have never really bothered to observe it before. The different varieties of vegetables and fruits being cut, the constant grating of coconut, and the tempting aroma of the food getting cooked, made me realize all that I had missed in the previous years due to my so-called Kool attitude.
For lunch, we had the scrumptious Sadya with two varieties of payasam for dessert. I just relished them. Then stomachs bursting, we started clicking pics for fun. Not knowing what to do next, we started to dance. Then we sat down chatting and my parents were telling about their Vishu memories as kids. I doubt it has ever happened. Listening to their Vishu stories, I felt that kids like me are missing out on many traditional rituals and that we don’t know the reason behind many of them.
I loved this year’s Vishu celebration. It was so much fun! Usually, we just eat our Sadya and we would go out to mall hopping or watching movies. Because we couldn’t go out due to the lockdown, we indulged ourselves in the festival preparation and that’s what we call a real family bonding time.
Festivals do bring positivity and people closer, all we have to do is find the time and jump in to indulge in the celebrations. This is also kool.
Till I see you next, it is bye from me. Do write to me or drop me a comment about your celebrations during lockdown.
That sounds great!