Today is April 14th. It is celebrated as Vishu in Kerala, one of the southern states of India. Kerala is often known as "God's own country". This occasion signifies the Sun's transit into the Meda Raasi (first zodiac sign), according to Indian astrological calculations, and represents the vernal equinox. Vishu is also considered as the Malayalam New Year day and thus the importance of this day to all Malayalis regardless of their religion or sect.
So Happy Vishu to one and all.
The most important event is the Vishukkani, which literally means " the first thing seen on the day of Vishu after waking up". The Vishukkani consists of a ritual arrangement of auspicious articles like raw rice, fresh lemon, golden cucumber, betel leaves, arecanut, metal mirror, yellow flowers konna (Cassia fistula), and a holy text and coins, in a bell metal vessel called uruli in the puja room of the house. (See above) A lighted lamp called nilavilakku is also placed alongside. This is arranged the night before. On Vishu, the custom is to wake up at dawn and go to the puja room with eyes closed so that the Vishukkani is the first sight of the new season. Devotees visit temples like Sabarimala Ayyappan Temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple to have a "Vishukkani Kazhcha" in the early hours of "Vishu" day.
"Vishu" is celebrated with much fanfare and vigour in all parts of Kerala. Setting off firecrackers is part of the celebration, especially for children. People wear new clothes for the occasion and elders of the family gift money, called Vishukkaineetam, to children, servants and tenants. It is also a day of feasting.
This day is also celebrated in various parts of India - as Bihu in Assam, as Baisakhi (Vaisakhi) in Punjab, Vaishakhi), Tamil Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Bisu in Southern Karnataka, Pana Sankranti in Orissa, Naba Barsha (Bengal).
This day is also celebrated outside India as Songkran (Thailand), Pee Mai Lao (Laos), Chaul Chnam Thmey (Cambodia), Thingyan (Myanmar/Burma).
On this auspicious occasion here are 2 Phantom strips from the collection of Emile Schwartz to enjoy. One is a daily strip and the other a Sunday strip. All credits and thanks to Emile.
Name: The Phantom S175 - The Shadows of Rune Noble ! - 2011-09-25 to 2012-04-01.zip
Size: 9.88MB
Name: D233 - A Detente With Crime Part I - 2011-08-15 to 2011-12-10.zip
Size: 15.46MB
