New Year festival of Kerala typically sees a lavish sadhya (meal) prepared.
The festival of Vishu is usually celebrated with a lot of fanfare. This year, however, it will be celebrated within the homes of the Malayali expatriate community.
The New Year festival of the south Indian state of Kerala typically sees a lavish sadhya (meal) prepared. However, many Malayalis are opting for a simple meal.
“There is no room for celebration this time. We want it to be a low-key affair. We are not preparing any grand meals. Instead, we as a family are focusing on offering the Vishukkani (ritual arrangement of auspicious articles) for frontline medics and heathcare workers helping Covid-19 patients.”
Even though the festival won’t be as grand, the Sharjah-based family will uphold certain traditions. “The plea for ‘kaineetam’ starts early as the children begin asking and anticipating from whom they would get money. So, while they look forward to getting some ‘kaineetam’ from their parents, I, in turn, look forward to receiving something from my husband,”
For Sangeetha Swaroop, Vishu at home means extra time with her family. “Work pressure has reduced for me now, so I am trying to prepare a sadhya for my children with whatever is available in the grocery stores. Typically, you prepare around 24-28 dishes served as a single course. But there is no point in preparing so much food as nobody from outside will be coming.”
Normally, hypermarkets across the UAE display traditional items brought from Kerala to arrange the kani kanal (arrangements for the first sight). People wait in long queues at special sections at hypermarkets to buy items.
“This time, I don’t think even the yellow ‘kanni konna’ flowers will be available. In fact, most people will not wear ‘kodi vastram’ (new clothes) as shops remain closed,” Sangeetha added.
