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Surat: Gujarat Government started Oxygen plants to serving Hospital in Surat, Monday, May 10, 2021.

Hyderabad :Union Minister of State for Home Affairs G Kishan Reddy visited the COVID-19 dedicated ward at AIIMS, Bibinagar in Telangana. He reviewed the medical facilities, including the oxygen concentrator that produces 1000 litres of oxygen per minute and discussed the immediate steps to augment beds and medical supplies with the officials. Later speaking to the media, he said, beds at the hospital will be increased to 200 soon. , Bibinagar, Telangana, Monday, May 10, 2021.

Port Blair: The Indian Coast Guard rescued five fishermen from fishing boat MFV Kalamma, which was in distress off Bomilla Creek near Hut Bay region of Little Andaman Island, Monday, May 10,2021.

New Delhi: A newly wed couple comes out of a temple after taking blessings amid the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in New Delhi, Monday, May 10, 2021.

Kolkata: A COVID-19 survivor flashes victory sign with a health worker, wearing PPE suit, during his discharge from a government run COVID-19 hospital, in Kolkata, Monday, May 10, 2021.

Ajmer: A truck carrying an oxygen generation plant, sent by the United Kindom to help fight COVID-19, arrives in Ajmer, Monday, May 10, 2021.

Happy Vishu 2021.

Celebrated on the first day of Medam or the Malayalam month or between the months of April and May of the Gregorian calendar, Vishu symbolizes the beginning of the spring season. Vishu, a Hindu festival, is celebratedin Kerala as the harvest festival and the astrological New Year of the Malayalis. Vishu indicates the movement of the sun to Aries or the Mesha Rashi and marksthe day from which the farmers begin the ploughing of land and other agricultural activities.

Significance of Vishu

In Sanskrit Vishu means equal, which implies the day with equal number hours of day and night or the equinox. The day of Mesha Sankranti or Mesha Sankramam, Vishu is a family festival. It is a period dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is celebrated by worshipping Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Vishu Kani, Vishu Kaineettam and Vishubhalam are the three most important aspects of the Vishu celebrations.

Vishu Mythological Connection

Several mythological tales are related to the celebration of Vishu; and as per one such story Vishu is the day when Lord Krishna killed Narakasura a demon. As per another belief Vishu is celebrated as the return of Surya Dev. According to the other folklores Ravana demon king, never allowed Surya Dev or the Sun God to rise from the east. It was on the day of Vishu, after the death of Ravana, the sun or Surya Dev started to rise from the east. Since then, Vishu is celebrated with great zeal.

The Story Behing Vishu Faith:

As per the religious faith of the people on the previous night of the Vishu festival a Vishu Kani in the prayer room or worship area of the house before the idol of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna by the eldest lady of the house. Vishu Kani is regarded as the symbol of good luck and prosperity by all Hindu Malayalis.In Malayalam Kani means “which is viewed first”therefore, the term ‘Vishu Kani’ means the first thing to be seen atdawn or the early hours of the day. The devotees believe this would bring them prosperity throughout theNew Year.

The Vishu Kani consists of a sacred ceremonialpreparation of all auspicious goods considered to be the omen of good luck and prosperity. These goods include coconut, betel leaves, Arecanut,yellow Kani Konna flower, Kanmashi kajal, raw rice, lemon, golden cucumber, jack fruit, a metallic mirror, a holy book, cotton dhoti and coins or currency notes.All these articles are collected in a bell shaped vessel made of metal which in Malayalam is called “Uruli”. A traditional bell shaped metal lamp called“Nilavilakku” is also lighted and placed together with the Vishu Kani before the deity. On the day of Vishu, as per the traditional belief of the people all the members of the family have to wake up early in the morning by dawn with closed eyes go to the worship area of the house, to get the first sight of the Vishu Kani because it would bring them good luck throughout the year. Therefore, the Vishu Kani is arranged with great care and precision to create a positive picture.

After seeing the Vishu Khani, people recite verses from Ramayana, the Holy book of the Hindus, which is considered to be a sacred act. Malayalis believe that the first page of the Ramayana which is opened by the devotee has asignificant impact on his/her life in the upcoming year. After this the children and adult burst crackers and this continues from morning to night. Known as “Vishu Paddakam” or the bursting of crackers is an integral part of the Vishu celebration enjoyed by all big and small. This is followed by a traditional feast known as “Vishu Sadhya”.

Ahmedabad: Fans at Narendra Modi Stadium before the start of second T20 cricket series between India and England, in Ahmedabad, Sunday, March 14, 2021

Ahmedabad: Fans of Indian cricket team during the second T20 cricket series between India and England, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sunday, March 14, 2021

Ahmedabad: Fans cheer for team India before the start of the second T20 cricket match between India and England, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sunday, March 14, 2021

Kennedy Space Center : A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Kennedy Space Center Sunday, March 14, 2021, in Florida. The rocket is carrying 60 Starlink communications satellites

Vatican City: Pope Francis celebrates mass on the occasion of 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, Sunday, March 14, 2021

S-chanf: Jessie Diggins of USA poses as first placed of the Overall FIS Cross Country World Cup in S-Chanf, Switzerland, on Sunday, March 14, 2021

Wilmington: President Joe Biden departs after attending Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., Saturday, March 13, 2021

Venice: Gondolas are moored on the Grand Canal, in Venice, Italy, Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Regional governors have been pressing the government to be permitted to present their own reopening plans, taking into account the level of COVID-19 infection and

Jammu: A medic arranges tubes after collecting swab samples for Covid-19 tests at Government Medical College in Jammu, Wednesday, May 13, 2020