Keralities in Oman all set to celebrate Vishu

Muscat: Thousands of Keralities living in Oman are all set to celebrate their astronomical New Year – Vishu on Thursday. Vishu falls on the first day of Malayalam month Medam, when the sun crosses the equator.
Wearing new clothes and giving monetary gifts to family members is also part of Vishu celebrations.
The celebration begins with Kani kanal, meaning first sight, for which they make arrangements the previous night.
Hypermarkets across the Sultanate are displaying traditional items brought from Kerala to arrange the Kani kanal. Restaurants and supermarkets in Oman are bullish about Vishu and many of them are vying with each other by offering the best Vishu meal deal, ostensibly prepared by special chefs flown in from Kerala for the occasion. “We have been getting many bookings for the Vishu especially from office-goers who find it difficult to spend the Vishu day at home,” said Sajith.M, manager of Four Squares Restaurant in Ruwi.
Top textile shops are also running a campaign to promote garment sales on Vishu. “Our textile shop is having great offers on Vishu,” said Anto Ignatius, manager of Jolly Silks and Joy Alukkas in Muscat.