Vishu celebrations

Uma did celebrate Vishu. She don’t skip any opportunity to celebrate. Ofcourse, I was too happy to participate in Vishu celebrations, with her.

Vishu was on Monday last. The most important things we do for Vishu are four things. Vishukkany, Vishu kaineettam, Visit Lord Krishna (at a temple), and have a Sadya (feast).

Uma wanted all these, in its real traditional form. That’s why she made every arrangement needed for Vishu. On Saturday, she cooked some specials, I know. That’s why Remany was at home for the whole day, right from early morning, with Uma.

Remany is our part-time house-keeper lady. She's certainly not a servant to us. I have a very special relationship with her. I shall tell you more about her sometime later. However, to be very brief now about her, Ramani is a very honest lady (50) from my hometown. She has been our full-time associate at my ancestral home (in her teens). And she's now living here for the last few years. She is a very good cook too. More than just an associate (I hate to use the word 'servant', about her) , she is a member of my family. She takes the lead role in kitchen matters and many other house-hold activities. Uma calls her “Chechy”, though Ramani is almost aged as much as her mother.

On Sunday, Uma arranged everything for Vishu Kani. I shall show you the snaps of the arrangements.

On Monday, early morning at 5 AM, Uma woke up and started the activities ( I could feel her actions !). I felt like sleepy and so was on bed for some more time, waiting for the usual morning gift. At about 5.45, Uma came to me and called. She was in settu-mundu, and with all the attributes of a traditional Nair lady. That was my real Vishukkani. She smiled at me and said “Maamma, come and see Kani”.

“OK.. coming…” I said. I woke up and went to the drawing room where the Kani was arranged. So pleasant and satisfying a scene.. I prayed for a minute. Oh Lord Krishna …

After the prelim morning routines, I went to the kitchen for my Black Coffee. Yeah, Uma was ready with it. “I didn’t get the morning gift” I said , looking at her. She with an exclamatory gesture, “Ayyo, not today.. it’s very auspicious today you know…. the usual one ? No, .. I can’t show you that in the morning… “. I smiled.. and expressed a poser on my face. She said “I’ll give you something very special today evening… Not now.. Now, take me to the temple…”.

Later in the morning I took her to the temple (Krishnan Kovil), and returned after the Darshan. On reaching back home, I gave her a 100 Rupee note, as the Kaineettam. She worshipfully accepted it and looked at me…. inviting. She walked to her room, and I followed.. asked her..”how about my Kaineettam ? “. In the room, she turned to me and stood … with both her hands opened and spread out…”I am your Kaineettam Maamma “. I could see a glow in her eyes.. happiness.. and I couldn’t resist .. I .... . We were in silence, in embrace.. for some time.. and I could feel her ...... … I ...

And thus the Vishu Sadya commenced !