Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 14: Amid Covid-19 lockdown,
Keralites celebrated a low key "Vishu" ,the Malayalam new year, on Tuesday, hoping that days of plenty, prosperity and peace will return.
People woke up in the early hours to see the auspicious "Vishu kani", symbolising hope, promise and fine prospects they wish to have in the year ahead.
The ritual comprises arranging on platters auspicious articles like seasonal fruits, vegetables, flower, gold and clothes which together form the first sight when the family members wake up on the Vishu day.
Normally, Keralites dressed in their traditional attire throng temples across the state.
However, this year due to the lockdown restrictions, temple visits were given a go by.
The famed Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur and the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala witnesses heavy rush of devotees during the vishu day.
But pilgrims were not allowed inside and only temple officials and security personnel were present for the"Vishu kani".
Rehaman, a small time trader, said very few people have come out for vishu purchases due to the restricitons.
It is fine as it is for a good cause, while Radha, a young woman said she could not celebrate the festival.
"We have no money, no job. With whatever little we have, we are celebrating the festival", she said.
87-year-old Vilasini Nambiar, a retired college professor, said vishu has visited the state during a most bewildering time.
"It should however remind us that every mountain must have its valley, desert its oasis, every storm cloud its rainbow, every night its day.
We are prepared to believe that we will overcome this misfortune", she said.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Home minister, Amit Shah, Kerala Governor, Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, were among those who greeted people on the occasion of Vishu.
Comments
But BJP was able to do it in UP and Gujarat since EC is in its pocket
After model code of conduct came into existence in Karnataka, Congress crooks are not able to distribute money (both black money & fake currency) freely to get people for Pappu rallies like before.
Why can’t the idiot understand that Kannadigas have no interest in meeting him to listen to his nonsense.
Because it is a BJP stronghold and naturally communally sensitive region!
"Rahul asked party workers not to brag about their achievements and the
achievements of ministers, but to focus on key issues of each region
that ensure victory"
Is there anything to brag? And, he is advising to focus on key issues, now, during the election time? What were they doing for last 5 years?
Congress has change for its own good. Party party hierarchy, should be strong. The party must have zero tolerance on Corruption in the name of Party funds. Collect money from ministerial aspirants and Chairmen of statutory boards. Why other parties speak lightly about Congress is due to situation that is prevailing in the Congress. Native Congressmen are sidelined with migrated defected leaders. No one is listening or giving chances to hear views. This time Congress will learn a hard lesson for sidelining devout and loyal Congress leaders and giving prominence of migrants. Even senior leaders like Mr.Jaffar Sheriff and Moily are sidelined. Mr. S.M. Krishna left the party due to not giving importance to his seniority or experience. Now one after the other will start leaving the Congress after out come of the elections in Karnataka.
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