Vishu - the New Year in Kerala

 Vishu is the first day of the Malayalam calendar and is the call of a New Year in Kerala and the adjoining areas of Southern India. This day is celebrated with much ceremonial splendor among all family members, relatives, and friends and is marked by the feasting and burning of firecrackers.

 When is Vishu celebrated?

Vishu is the first day of the local calendar and is the beginning of Meda Rashi, the first zodiac sign. It signifies the equinox according to the solar calendar and falls usually in the second week of April according to the English calendar.

Spiritual Significance of Vishu

This day of Vishu is the most important in a Keralite's life. It marks the beginning of new hopes and aspirations and is celebrated widely all across the state. People take a lot of care in fulfilling the rituals to bring prosperity and success in the coming year ahead.

Rituals of Vishu

• People start with early morning prayers at dawn on this auspicious day.
• The mother of the family arranges Visukkani which consists of cucumber, rice, areca nuts, betel leaves, gold ornaments, new clothes, a holy Granth, coins in a silver cup, mangoes, jackfruit, metal mirror, fresh lemon along with a lit metal lamp alongside. Family members are supposed to view these things first when they get up from sleep.
• A special yellow flower named Konna is a must in the Kani.
• The holy text of Ramayan is recited during the puja and the common belief among Malayalees is that the recital would have its sacred effects on all family members.
• A special feast called 'sadya' is prepared to keep in mind all flavors that should be equally present in the meal. A meal usually consists of rice, sambar, chips, pickle, aviyal, rasam, and different sweets and payasam varieties.
• A special type of rice is prepared for this occasion. This is called Kanji and is prepared with high-quality rice, coconut milk, and condiment spices.
• Later children burst firecrackers and new clothes and money are given as gifts to friends and relatives as blessings by elders of the family.
• People also visit temples offering prayers on this day.
• People distribute coins among the poor on this day.
• People usually wear their best clothes on this day and women love to adorn themselves with gold ornaments. Men wear the traditional 'mundu' along with khadi shirts.

Celebrations in other states

New Year is also celebrated in other states of India during this time. This occasion is referred to by different names in various parts of India.

• Poila Baisakh in Bengal
• Baisakhi in Punjab
• Puthandu in Tamil Nadu
• Bihu in Assam

Vishu is definitely by far the most popular festival of Kerala and with the festive mood in town this is the best time of the year to visit the state.

2024 Date: 14 April.