Keralites celebrate Vishu with pomp and gaiety; Devotees throng to Guruvayur and Sabarimala on Vishu day

THRISSUR: Keralites all over the world celebrate Vishu with traditional zeal. Vishu is the beginning of Malayalam New year celebrated by Keralites all over with traditional pomp and gaiety.

People thronged to temple to offer prayers and see Vishukani. A large crowd of devotees thronged to Guruvayur temple since early morning to see Vishu Kani. Vishu Kani darshan was at the temple from 2.45 am.

Vishu Kani was arranged in front of the sreekovil. A long queue of devotees for Vishu Kani darshan was seen in front of the temple by yesterday evening. Rice, coconut, jackfruit, vegetables, flowers, gold, coins, Konna etc which form the first sight of the people when they wake up on the Vishu day. A decorated gold thidambu is also placed on the golden peedom. A kani is also arranged in the namaskara mandapa outside the shrine.

A large crowd of devotees was also witnessed in Sabarimala for Vishu Kani darshan. The darshan began at 4 am. The shrine was opened and the Kani was first shown to Ayyappa Swamy by lighting a lamp in Srilakam. The pilgrims were then given an opportunity to have Vishu Kani darshan. Thantri Kandararu Rajeevaru, his son Kandararu Brahmadathan and Melshanthi Arunkumar Namboothiri offered Vishu Kaineettm to the devotees.

Vishu Kani was also arranged at Malikappuram and Pampa Ganapathi Kovil. Melshanthi Arunkumar Namboothiri, Keezhsanthi S Krishnan Potty and the parikarmas arranged the Kani last night and then closed the temple. Considering the crowd, more police have been deployed in Sannidhanam, Pampa and Nilakkal. This time, the Devaswom Board will present lockets with Ayyappa's image as Vishu Kaineettam. Minister V N Vasavan will release these lockets at 10 am. These lockets can also be purchased online.