The scent of unniyappams and lamps defined Vishu for me: Anaswara Rajan

For actress Anaswara Rajan, Vishu memories are deeply rooted in her hometown of Kannur — from early morning kani rituals to the smell of festive treats filling the house.


“Vishu, Onam and Pooram were the biggest celebrations for us growing up,” she recalls. “At home, we would set up the Vishu Kani with all the items and fresh kanikonna flowers. Even at school, I remember trying to collect kanikonna myself.”




Vishu mornings began early, often with the sound of crackers in the neighbourhood.


“We would wake up hearing crackers and then go to see the kani. What I remember most is the smell — the fragrance of lit lamps and freshly made unniyappam. That scent was special,” she says with a smile. “We would quickly eat an unniyappam and then go back to sleep,” she adds.


While the celebration included firecrackers, they were, however, were never a big part of it. “We usually burst them only at night and even then, very little because they’re not good (for the environment). These days, I don’t enjoy crackers at all — neither the sound nor the visuals.”


Food and family traditions were the heart of the festival. “We always had an elaborate sadhya on Vishu day. When we were young, Vishu kodi — the new clothes — was something we really looked forward to. Now, I just wear a sari that I already have,” she says.


One of her favourite Vishu traditions was coordinating outfits with cousins. “When we were younger, all of us cousins would get matching clothes for Vishu. Those were fun times,” she sighs!


Another childhood highlight was Vishu kaineetam. “The elders would give us kaineetam and it would add to our little ‘treasury’. It doesn’t really happen anymore, but sadhya is still mandatory.”


Has she started giving kaineetam yet? She laughs, “Not yet. I was the youngest in the family. Now, there are younger members, so maybe I should start.”


Work, however, has kept her away from home during the festival in recent years. “I spent the last two Vishus on sets. This year too, I’ll be in Hyderabad filming. I enjoy working, so that’s fine — but I’ll definitely miss the sadhya,” she shares.


The actress is currently working on two Telugu films, which are yet to be officially announced. There’s also a Tamil project — 7/G, Rainbow Colony 2. "And I’m hearing a few Malayalam scripts as well,” she adds.

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