Anaswara Rajan's Heartwarming Vishu Recollections from Kannur
For acclaimed actress Anaswara Rajan, the vibrant festival of Vishu evokes a flood of cherished memories deeply embedded in her hometown of Kannur. The actress fondly recalls the early morning rituals, the aromatic festive treats, and the warm family gatherings that defined her childhood celebrations.
Early Morning Rituals and Festive Aromas
Vishu, along with Onam and Pooram, stood as the most significant celebrations during her formative years. "At home, we would meticulously set up the Vishu Kani with all traditional items and fresh kanikonna flowers," Anaswara shares. "Even at school, I have vivid memories of trying to collect kanikonna blossoms myself."
The festival mornings would commence at dawn, often punctuated by the distant sound of crackers echoing through the neighborhood. "We would wake up hearing those crackers and then proceed to view the kani arrangement," she explains. "What remains most indelible in my memory is the distinctive smell—the fragrant blend of lit oil lamps and freshly prepared unniyappam. That particular scent was truly special."
With a smile, she adds, "We would quickly savor an unniyappam and then retreat back to sleep for a while."
Family Traditions and Festive Delights
While firecrackers were part of the celebration, they never formed its core. "We typically burst them only at night, and even then, very sparingly because they are not environmentally friendly," Anaswara notes. "These days, I do not enjoy crackers at all—neither the loud sounds nor the visual display."
The true essence of Vishu, for her, resided in food and family customs. "We always enjoyed an elaborate sadhya feast on Vishu day. When we were children, Vishu kodi—the new clothes—was something we eagerly anticipated. Now, I simply wear a sari that I already possess," she remarks.
Cherished Childhood Moments
One of her most beloved Vishu traditions involved coordinating outfits with her cousins. "When we were younger, all us cousins would get matching clothes for Vishu. Those were incredibly fun times," she reminisces with a sigh.
Another highlight from her childhood was the tradition of Vishu kaineetam. "The elders would give us kaineetam, and it would contribute to our little 'treasury,'" Anaswara recalls. "That practice doesn't really occur anymore, but the sadhya feast remains absolutely mandatory."
When asked if she has begun giving kaineetam herself, she laughs, "Not yet. I was the youngest in my family. Now, there are younger members, so perhaps I should start."
Balancing Work and Festival Celebrations
In recent years, professional commitments have kept Anaswara away from home during Vishu. "I spent the last two Vishu festivals on film sets. This year as well, I will be in Hyderabad for filming," she reveals. "I genuinely enjoy working, so that is perfectly fine—but I will certainly miss the traditional sadhya."
The actress is currently engaged with two Telugu projects that have not been officially announced yet. Additionally, she is involved in a Tamil film titled 7/G, Rainbow Colony 2. "And I am reviewing several Malayalam scripts as well," she concludes.
