Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 6, 2021
Dr Sandhya Pillai presenting a Mohiniattam number at the Vishu Festival
The Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajam bettered its own record with more than 700 men, women and children attending its Vishu Festival 2021 held at the Shri Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan in Onehunga, Auckland on April 17, 2021.
National MP Chris Penk (elected from Kaipara ki Mahurangi, formerly known as Helensville) was the Chief Guest at the event, representing Party Leader Judith Collins.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that festivals such as Vishu provided an opportunity not only people of Kerala to maintain their culture and tradition but also to other communities to understand and respect these values.
“Vishu ushers in New Year for Keralites and this is also the season for many others including people from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka. National Party MPs are delighted to participate in these events and share the joy with various communities. I note that Vishu will also provide opportunities for the members of your community to bring forth their talent and their culinary art,” he said.
and Athulya Shreejit Nair
New Committee takes charge
It was the first festival organised by the new Committee elected less than a fortnight earlier.
They are Chelat Divakara Menon (President), Girijan Menon (Vice-President), Soumini Raja Varma (Secretary), Girish Nair (Joint Secretary), Sethu Arjunan (Treasurer), Amal Raveendran, Ambi Shanker, Indu Rajashekharan Nair, Dr Smitha Nair, Shobhana Surendranath Nair and Vignesh Sambasivan (Executive Committee Members).
In his first welcome address, Divakara Menon said that the Samajam is committed to organising programmes and festivals that bring together members and other communities, highlighting the characteristics of the culturally-rich State.
“We are grateful to the members of the Samajam and people of Auckland for encouraging us with their patronage. In just three years, the Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajam has become a popular organisation conducting religious and social festivals celebrated in our home State of Kerala. We are committed to promoting these,” he said.
Vishu Kaineettam for children at the Vishu Festival
Traditional and modern items
Traditional dances that are performed on such occasions, modern items attracting the younger generation and film songs formed a part of the colourful programme.
The highlight of the day was ‘Vishu Sadhya,’ featuring 25 items of traditional and typical Kerala vegetarian cuisine, prepared by the members and volunteers of the Samajam.
Immediate Past President Gopal Ayyar said that while the Samajam would be happy to consider a larger venue, cost and other issues are a constraint.
“We need to have sponsors and consider other issues to shift to a different venue. The new Committee will decide what needs to be done for Onam,” he said.
Solemn and Happy Day
Vishu is noted for its solemnity, characterised by family time, preparing colourful auspicious items and viewing these as Vishukkani. Malayalees seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items, cloth (pattu), mirror, rice and other harvest products. The day also attracts firework play by children, wearing new clothes (Puthu Kodi) and Sadhya, comprising a mix of salty, sweet, sour and bitter items.
The Vishu is also celebrated by giving money to children (Vishukai Neetam), observed as a blessing to the growing generation.
The Vishu arrangement includes an image of Vishnu (usually Lord Krishna).
Visits to Temples in Sabarimala, Guruvayur or Kulathupuzha in Kerala are common.
An impressive ray of items as Vishu Kani
The ‘Vishu Kani’ forms the first and most important feature of the Festival. Using Nature’s bounty such as yellow ‘Kanikonna’ flowers that signify prosperity and a platter of freshly offered fruits, the Vishu Kani is a simple yet joyous visual representation of Lord Krishna.
Typically, the lady of the house takes each family member early in the morning to gaze at the Vishu Kani, which is a spectacular sight to behold.
Most cultural festivals of Kerala feature the Mohiniattam, a graceful dance known for its leisurely and less boisterous style. This form of art eulogises Lord Vishu (Protector of the Universe), who is believed to have taken the form of Mohini (enchantress) to lure the ‘Asuras’ (Demons) to hand over the Divine Nectar of immortality to ‘Her.’
Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajam members performing Thiruvathiraikali
About Thiruvathiraikali
The white sarees with colourful borders along with fresh jasmines adorning their hair make was a wonderful sight.
Established three years ago, the Auckland Malayali Hindu Samajam is a not-for-profit organisation aimed at promoting the Hindu way of life among the younger members of the community.
“We are informed but will not favour or endorse any political party or position. We do not intend to be affiliated with any other religious or political organisation. The Samajam’s key initiative is to spread the awareness of our rich tradition and the Hindu tenets to our younger generation,” he said.
