Markets in Kochi come alive with Vishu buzz

For the past 10 years, Resmi Balakrishnan’s family has been carrying on a simple tradition. On the day before Vishu each year, they cut the yellow flowers of the 30-year-old ‘Kanikonna’ (Cassia fistula), or golden shower tree, in their compound, package them neatly, and share them with neighbours, friends, family, and even strangers.

“I leave bunches of flowers on the sit-out for anyone to take. It feels like offering Vishukainettam, and we don’t want to monetise it,” said Mrs. Balakrishnan.

As the frenzy around Vishu gathers pace in the city, the market is catching up, with small cracker shops and vendors selling idols of Krishna mushrooming across the city.