Chitra Vishu is the beginning of the month of Chitrai,Tamil New Year. It is a beginning of Vasantha Ragam/Rithu ( ). Tamil people celebrate this day with great enthusiasm&happiness. It marks the beginning of an era of prosperity&good luck.
This is according to Solar system widely followed in Kerala,Tamil Nadu, Assam, Punjab&West Bengal. This is also observed in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia,&South Africa amongst Tamilians.
Tamils have named 60 years in a unique way starting from Vikurthi, Kara, Nandana, Vijaya etc. This year is Vikurthi Varusham.
Our Legends say that Brahmmah ,The Lord of creation, started creating the universe from this day.It is also mentioned that Lord Sundareswara(Shiva) married Godess Meenakshi on this auspicious day.
The most important part of the day is Vishu Kani. All types of fruits, vegetables, Rice, Dal, Silver coins/small vessels, & a mirror decorated with a gold chain along with all Pooja materials are neatly arranged, in a convenient place, preferably Pooja Room itself on the previous night. There is a typical flower called Kani flower, in yellow colour,if used, adds to the beauty of the function. Big Kolams (Rangoli) are created on the floors inside&outside the house.
On the new year day, elders wake up the children at 04.30 hrs, &closing their eyes bring them to this Kani Room and open their eyes to see the Gold/ Silver things and all decorations and look into the mirror. Ladies light the lamps. Elders give their children a few coins as a part of celebration called as' Kaineettam'. By witnessing such things, it is believed, will bring them joy, happiness,luck& prosperity throughout the year. All people visit the nearby temples to offer prayers & archana to the deities as a part of gratitude to them for ensuring prosperity.
No function is complete without a fine Meals, pertinent to that function. Special items like Payasam(Keer), Vada,Boli are prepared &served with meals. Ofcoursei Veppampu/ Mango Pachadi is included as a special preparations indicating that life is a mixture of Bitterness &sweetness, (Sukam &Dhukkam)
In the evening Panchangam(Almanac) is being read in temples to predict the performance of the year for rains, production of grains,major events and special forecast for each Rasi.It is said that that hearing the reading of Panchangam itself is auspicious &bring prosperity.
