Vishu is a significant Hindu festival celebrated predominantly in the state of Kerala, India, and also in some parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Here's a brief overview:
Key Aspects of Vishu:
* Malayalam New Year: Vishu marks the traditional New Year in Kerala, falling on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam, which usually corresponds to April 14th or 15th in the Gregorian calendar. This year, in 2025, Vishu is on Monday, April 14th.
* Solar New Year: It signifies the solar new year, marking the sun's transit into the zodiac sign of Aries (Mesha Rashi).
* Festival of New Beginnings and Prosperity: Vishu is seen as a time of new beginnings, hope, and prosperity. It's a time to look forward to a fruitful year ahead.
Important Rituals and Customs:
* Vishukkani (വിഷുക്കണി): This is the most significant ritual. The "kani" is an auspicious arrangement of items like rice, fruits (especially golden cucumber, mangoes, and jackfruit), vegetables, betel leaves, areca nuts, coins, gold ornaments, a mirror (valkannadi), a picture or idol of Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and the bright yellow Konna flowers (Cassia fistula). These items are placed in a bell-metal vessel (uruli) and kept in the puja room. The first thing family members see upon waking up on Vishu morning is this auspicious "kani," believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the entire year.
* Kanikanal (കണികാണൽ): The act of viewing the Vishukkani first thing in the morning. Family elders often wake up the younger members and guide them with closed eyes to the "kani."
* Vishu Kaineettam (വിഷുക്കൈനീട്ടം): Elders in the family give a small amount of money (coins or currency notes) as a blessing to the younger members, children, and sometimes even dependents. This symbolizes prosperity and sharing of good fortune.
* Vishu Sadhya (വിഷുസദ്യ): A grand vegetarian feast is prepared and enjoyed by the family. The "sadhya" typically includes a variety of traditional Kerala dishes with a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes, often served on a banana leaf.
* Temple Visits: People often visit temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna like Guruvayur and Sabarimala, to offer prayers and seek blessings.
* Firecrackers (Padakkam - പടക്കം): Bursting firecrackers is a common way to celebrate the festive occasion, especially among children.
* New Clothes (Puthukodi - പുതുക്കോടി / Vishukkodi - വിഷുക്കോടി): Wearing new clothes is a part of the Vishu celebrations.
* Reading the Ramayana: In some households, reading passages from the Ramayana is also a tradition on Vishu.
Significance:
* Agricultural Significance: Vishu also has agricultural significance, marking the beginning of the sowing season and the hope for a good harvest.
* Mythological Connections: The festival is associated with various mythological stories, including Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura and the return of the Sun God (Surya Dev) after being stopped from rising in the east by the demon king Ravana.
* Equality: The word "Vishu" in Sanskrit means "equal," possibly referring to the vernal equinox when day and night are of equal length.