Kanikkonna- the golden shower tree

Golden Shower Tree –known in the Malayalam language as Kanikkonna or Konna – is a flowering plant of the Fabaceae species common in all South Asian countries. The scientific name is Cassia fistula and is also known as the Indian Laburnum in some places. The Kanikkonna is significant in the life of the Keralites and is inseparably connected to their culture. This is the state flower, and is a ritual item in the festivities connected with the Vishu festival. The medium-sized tree blooms in a particular season during the Medam month of Malayalam calendar (April-May), when Keralites celebrate Vishu.