Kanikkonna, or the golden shower tree, is a sacred flower tree of the Hindu Vishu festival. It is also popular with its scientific name, Cassia fistula, and grows to about 10-15 metres. The main attraction of the Kanikkonna tree is the yellow flowers hanging down in clusters, which bloom in summer. The Kanikkonna tree has a flowering period lasting three to four months, starting in March and ending in July. The tree is commonly referred to as the golden shower or rain tree due to the vibrant yellow colour of its flowers. They grow in clusters and appear to fall like raindrops from the tree. The golden shower tree, the official state flower of Kerala, holds importance in the rituals of the Vishu festival, which falls in April. Vishu 2024 Date, Rituals and Vishu Kani Significance: Know All About the Celebrations Related to the Malayalam New Year.

Kanikonna Significance in Kerala's Culture and Traditions

Kanikonna flowers are an inseparable part of Kerala's culture during the Vishu festival. The flowers are used in the preparation of 'kani' and are considered sacred. It is mandatory to keep the flowers in an auspicious Vishukkani setting, along with rice, jackfruit, betel leaves, and other golden-coloured flowers.

The tree is easily sighted from far away when in full bloom, featuring golden-yellow flowers on leafless branches. The tree has even been depicted on a 20-rupee stamp. Besides being Kerala's unique beauty, Kanikonna is Thailand's national tree and flower. Its yellow blooms symbolise Thai royalty. The tree is often cultivated in Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Vishu 2024 Food: From Vishu Kanji to Thoran to Unniyappam, Best Foods To Celebrate the Malayalam New Year.

Kanikkonna is a tree commonly found across India. It is famous for its ornamental value, cool shade, and medicinal properties. Cassia fistula or Kanikkonna flower extract is said to have anti-ageing and whitening properties. The Kanikonna flowers hold great ritual importance and are used to prepare Kani during the Vishu festival of Kerala, celebrated in April.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2024 06:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).