One of the most popular festivals of Kerala is Vishu. Vishu falls on the first of Medam (March-April). It is considered propitious to view good things on this day for year round good fortune, Vishu morning is an important time. The heart of this festival of Kerala is the preparation of the kani (the lucky sight or gift). The custom of preparing the kani has been followed for generations. The women take a large dish made of bell-metal called 'uruli', arrange in it a grantha, a gold ornament, a new cloth, some flowers from the konna tree, some coins in a silver cup, a split coconut, a cucumber, some mangoes, and a jack-fruit. On either side of the dish are placed two burning lamps with a chair facing it. Family members are taken blindfolded, and then their blindfolds are removed and they view the vishu kani. As in other Indian festivals, a great feast at home is the high point of celebrating Vishu in Kerala.
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