“Kani” is an arrangement of auspicious items. The arrangement consists following items
- Rice
- Vegetables (cucumber, winter melon, pumpkin etc.)
- Fruits (jackfruit, mango etc.)
- Arecanut
- A mirror kept upright with a golden chain on it
- Currency notes and few coins.
These items are kept in a plate or a wooden basket. A deepam is also kept near it. The whole arrangement is made in front of the Tulasi plant.
At Tharavadu, “Kani” is kept early in the morning on the day of Ugadi (ಯುಗಾದಿ), which is the new year day for Kayampadians. Saligrama Pooja is done as usual in the morning with the following special offerings
- Appa (5 Kudthe)
- Naivedhya (5 Kudthe) + Payasa
- Main Aarathis (Total 3, including Karpuraarathi) + Ekarathi + Dhupa
- Gograsa – Offering food to a cow
Vishu (ವಿಷು) being the new year day for the rest of the people around Kayampady, “Kani” is kept on this day as well. Maniyanis and other labourers make their offerings (such as sugar, fruits and vegetables) in front of this Kani at Tharavadu. On this auspicious day, a grand breakfast (Kottige, Kadle Payasa etc.) is arranged for them. Their participation has considerably come down in the recent years, from 50 – 100 to a very handful of people.
Kayampady 