Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year and is celebrated across Kerala. The festival is associated with prosperity, and gold purchases — particularly for the traditional Vishu Kani — are a common part of the celebrations. We offer tips for shopping during the Vishu season.
Gold and the Vishu Kani
On Vishu morning, family members view the Vishu Kani (an arrangement of auspicious items) as the first sight of the day. The arrangement typically includes: - Golden cucumber (Vellari). - Yellow flowers (Kanikkonna). - Pledged gold coins or ornaments, representing prosperity.
Additionally, elders distribute gold coins or money to younger family members as a blessing, a tradition known as Vishu Kaineettam.
Shopping Smart During Vishu
- Check Showroom Offers: Many jewellers in Kerala offer promotions during the Vishu season, including discounts on making charges or promotional gifts.
- Opt for Gold Coins: If your goal is to buy gold for investment or gifting, gold coins carry lower making charges than jewellery items.
- Verify Hallmarking: Purity verification remains important. Check for the BIS hallmark and HUID code on any purchase.
- Monitor Daily Rates: Gold prices can fluctuate during festive periods. Check daily gold rates on RateTracker.in to stay informed of market prices.