In the Malayalam language, the word “Kani” literally means “that which is seen first”, therefore “Vishukkani” largely means “that which is seen first on Vishu”. The Vishukkani is a vista of auspicious items, comprising of fruits, flowers, vegetables, gold coins and clothes. It is grandly arranged by the mother in the family, in the puja room on the day before Vishu.
According to the Indian astrology or Jyothisa, the festive day, Vishu is greatly seen as the chief of Kaala Purusha which means the God of Time. The first day of the Zodiac New Year is marked as Vishu.
According to the Hindu religious scholars and pundits, this particular day is marked as the appropriate time in order to offer large scale oblation to Gods of Hindu religion.
In the Malayalam Calendar, traditionally Vishu is grandly celebrated as a New Year. It is to be highly remembered that this particular day is often regarded as the first day of the Zodiac Calendar. On this day, people ask directly Vishu Kani to largely bring prosperity and luck for the year beginning from Vishu Day that is Medam 1st.
According to the local legends, towards the end of last century CE, because of the significance of Onam that comes in September or August, the corresponding Malayalam month known as Chingam is regarded as first month of the Malayalam Calendar. Kerala’s state flower is Kani Konna (Cassia fistula). It is a popular vishukanni. On the Vishu day, an auspicious kani (first sight) at dawn is an age-old strong belief of Malayalees.