The golden kanikonna may bloom months earlier, but the spirit of Vishu — getting brass ‘urulis’ ready for ‘Vishukkani,’ elders presenting ‘kaineettam’ to younger members of the family, and an elaborate ‘sadya’ — can be seen everywhere in the city, though not without changes that the march of time seems helpless to stop.
One of the most enduring images of Vishu is the elaborate arrangement called Vishukkani that is believed to usher in prosperity and abundance. The Vishukkani includes flowers, fruits, gold, cash, betel leaves and areca nut, metal mirrror, ‘pavamundu’ (cloth), coconuts, rice, and ‘nilavilakku’ (lamp) that are arranged in brass ‘urulis’ in an organic manner so as to require almost an artistic touch.
The ‘kanikonna’ is integral to the Vishukkani, and the day before Vishu, the city is dotted with people selling the yellow delicate blooms, along with other items to go into the Vishukkani.
The prices start from ₹50, and increase depending on the number of items.
Says Gopi, who has brought konna, jackfruit, mangoes, and pineapple from Oorutambalam, “Konna is sold only the day before Vishu so that it retains its freshness. We are selling all four items together at ₹100.”
Business is brisk, though people do complain that the prices are exorbitant. Chintha is selling seven items, including golden cucumber, ‘kani matanga,’ cashews, and ‘ayani chakka,’ all procured from growers in Malayinkeezhu. Prices this year, she admits, are higher as compared to last year.
Flowers are just as important, and there is heavy demand for them. Kumar, a flower vendor, says extra stock has arrived from Thovala, Madurai, and Bangalore for the festival. The prices too have seen a surge. “Pichi costs ₹1,000. Jasmines that cost ₹200 a kg are now priced at ₹700,” says Kumar as he waits for stringed jasmines to arrive. Sreekumar, a vendor, says arali too has seen an increase from ₹100 a kg to ₹220 a kg.
Plastic konna flowers are available in the market. A strand of those costs ₹70.
Mounds of golden mangoes, cucumber and pumpkin too dot the pavements.
Idols of Lord Krishna too are much sought after. Made of fibre, clay and paper pulp, these come in various sizes. “In the days just before Vishu, we may sell some 400 idols, but this year we have sold only 250 so far. Things have been slow in picking up,” says Manikantan who sells ‘puja’ items.
