On Saturday, April 26 at Sai Santhan, Onehunga; entry by tickets
Prasanth Pavithran
Auckland, April 22, 2025
The Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ) will celebrate Vishu, the Malayalam New Year festival on 26th April 2025 Sai Sansthan located at 12 Princes Street, Onehunga, Auckland from 10 am to 3 pm.
Event Details
Date: 26th April 2025, from 10 am
Venue: Sai Temple Hall, Onehunga, Auckland
Ticket: Adults (Members): $35; Adults (Non-Members): $40; Child tickets (aged 5 years – 13 years): $25; Children under the age of 5 years: Free
Limited seating available (500 seats)
Tickets can be purchased at: https://ohmnz.org.nz/event-view/vishu/
A Time to Celebrate
Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and the agricultural cycle in Kerala.
It typically falls on 14th or 15th April in the Gregorian Calendar, corresponding to the first day of the month of Medam in the Malayalam Calendar. The word ‘Vishu’ means ‘equal’ in Sanskrit, symbolising the equal day and night that occurs during the spring equinox.
The Festival denotes new beginnings, prosperity and the hope for a bountiful year ahead. For Malayalees around the world, Vishu represents an opportunity to connect with their cultural heritage while celebrating with family and community.
Vishukani and Vishukaineettam
The heart of the Vishu Celebration is the ‘Vishukani,’ which means “the first thing seen on Vishu day.” According to tradition, what one sees first on Vishu Morning is believed to influence the prosperity and fortune for the entire year ahead.
The Vishukani arrangement includes A traditional brass lamp (Nilavilakku), A Mirror (Valkannadi). Gold Ornaments symbolising wealth, Yellow Konna flowers (Cassia Fistula or Indian Laburnum), Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, Grains representing abundance, Sacred Texts and Coins and currency notes.
Family elders arrange the Vishukani the night before, and others including children are led with their eyes closed to see the auspicious arrangement first thing in the morning, symbolising a prosperous vision for the year ahead.
As a part of the Vishu Celebration, OHM NZ will create a traditional Vishukani display at the venue. Visitors will have an opportunity to view this auspicious arrangement upon arrival. The Vishukani will be prepared by senior members of the community to ensure authenticity and adherence to traditional practices.
Vishukaineettam: Another important tradition is ‘Vishukaineettam’ in which elders gift money to younger family members. These monetary gifts are considered auspicious and are believed to bring good fortune to the recipients throughout the year. Traditionally, the family elder places coins in the hands of children while they are still viewing the Vishukani.
As a special part of the OHM NZ Vishu celebration, a respected community elder will perform the Vishukaineettam ritual for all children present at the beginning of the event. This symbolic gesture will allow the children to experience this important tradition and receive blessings for prosperity in the coming year, making it a meaningful cultural experience for the younger generation of the community.
About OHM NZ
The Organisation of Hindu Malayalees New Zealand (OHM NZ) is a charitable organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Malayalees in New Zealand. Through various cultural and community events throughout the year, OHM NZ provides a platform for the Malayalee community to celebrate their traditions while fostering connections within New Zealand’s diverse multicultural landscape.
OHM NZ President Soumini Raja Varma said that Vishu is a special time for the community.
“This is a time when we reconnect with our cultural roots and share our traditions with the wider New Zealand family. This year’s celebration will feature traditional performances, authentic Kerala cuisine prepared by our community members, and activities that capture the essence of this auspicious festival. We look forward to welcoming you all for a day filled with joy, prosperity, and cultural celebration,” she said.
Past celebrations have featured spectacular traditional dance performances, followed by feasts of traditional Kerala dishes including Avial and Payasam. All food is prepared by members of the community, giving the dishes an authentic, homely flavour. The menu is entirely vegetarian, featuring the rich diversity of Kerala’s plant-based cuisine with aromatic spices and coconut-based preparations.
All attendees are encouraged to wear traditional Kerala attire to enhance the festive atmosphere of the celebration.
Prasanth Pavithran is a Member of the OHM NZ Executive Committee.
