Lok Sabha elections: For these candidates, it’s Vishukkani every day

KANNUR

: There is no better flower than the mythical ‘

kanikkonna

’ (cassia fistula), pet-named golden shower, to welcome the candidates who shower promises on the voters. In most of the receptions accorded to the candidates contesting Lok Sabha polls, they are being received with bunches of the yellow flower instead of the conventional bouquets. As the auspicious

Vishu

festival coincides with the poll season this time, the candidates are offered a virtual Vishukkani every day.

The presence of the flower not just make the reception a colourful affair but it also gives a natural feel cutting across politics, especially when the election has a green protocol, which advocates a big ‘NO’ to anything that is plastic.

Though it came as a natural expression as the kanikkonna flowers are in abundance in the Malabar region this year, its yellow colour is acceptable to all political parties and hence they all accept it with the same warmth.

“It gives a pleasant feeling when the people welcome you with the bouquet of kanikkonna, which is highly auspicious, especially during the Vishu season,” said LDF candidate for Kannur P K Sreemathy, whose receptions have the maximum presence of the golden shower.

Incidentally, this year kanikkonna has flowered quite early this time as well. “Though it flowers during the Vishu season, in many places the flowering was at its peak during March, and how much will survive till Vishu is a matter of concern,” said T Vanaja, professor, Regional Agriculture Research Station, Pilicode, Kasaragod. Maybe the candidate will have to be received with some other flowers post Vishu.

Whatever it may be the shower of the yellow flower is a soothing experience in the sultry summer, agree all candidates.