Vishu was the festival of togetherness but I miss the same now, says Seetha actress Swasika Vijay

Vishu

always brings back a bunch of memories to all the Malayalees. 'Kani Kanal' in the early morning, getting 'Kaineettam' from the elders, the aroma of 'Sadhya' and the spirit and pure joy of family get-togethers is something beyond words.

Speaking to TimesofIndia.com, Seetha actress Swasika Vijay shared her precious 'Malayalam New Year' memories.

"Vishu was one of the much-awaited festivals as it falls on the month of April. It always upped the vacation mood. Vishu was always the celebration of togetherness and family get-togethers," the actress recollects.

Swasika shared that she always spent her Vishu at her 'Tharavadu Veedu' (ancestral house) and never missed to have a blast with her cousins.

"Amma used to wake us up in the early morning and take us to the puja room to see the 'Vishu Kani'. The routine of waking up one by one, having our eyes closed, in a line and pushing each other to get a glimpse of the beautifully arranged 'Vishu Kani', was indeed the best childhood memory," the on-screen Seetha goes down the memory lane.

'Vishu Kani' literally means the 'first sight on Vishu'. It is a special arrangement done in front of the Lord Krishna idol, by the elderly woman in the family with a blend of 'Aranmula Kanandi', vegetables, cereals etc. This ritual is part of the belief that the first thing you see on the first day of the new year will decide your luck for the rest of the year.

Apart from the 'Kani Kanal', getting 'Vishu Kaineettam' is Swasika's most favourite on Vishu. It is the custom in which the elders of the family gift money to youngsters and bless them with prosperity throughout the year.

"The team of youngsters in the family would make sure that they get money from all the elders. We even go to the neighbours and get money from them. I was always the money manager in the gang and I still remember taking everyone to an amusement park after collecting the money from our 'Vishu Kaineettam'," the actress giggles.

But, Swasika conveyed that she badly misses the fun of festival now. She shared that everyone is now busy with their lives and don't have much time for the celebration. But the actress has decided to celebrate this year's Vishu with her family members.

"Last year, Vishu was special as we had a small celebration on the sets of Seetha. The team exchanged 'Kaineettam' and had 'Sadya' together. That was a very memorable one," Swaika signs off wishing all Malayalees a happy and prosperous Vishu.