Come April, showers of gold begin to appear among the foliage in Kerala. It is the season for the Indian laburnum to bloom in all its glory, heralding the Kerala New Year, called Vishu. It’s a beautiful sight to behold – the golden clusters hanging like ropes from the tree. Little wonder it is called the golden shower tree. Malayalis call it the Vishu konna and glorify it in songs and verse.
Vishu is the New Year of Kerala and Malayalis. Deeply rooted in the state’s cultural heritage, the festival falls in April. Like all New Year festivals, it represents new beginnings and renewed hope for a better future. The Sun transits into Aries at this time. Vishu is an occasion for families to get together, pay homage to age-old traditions, and look forward to the upcoming harvest.
Historically, this vibrant spring festival has been celebrated since the reign of the Chera dynasty king, Sthanu Ravi, dating back to the 9th century AD.
Like other festivals, Vishu has its own rituals. One is the arrangement of Vishu Kani, which is a ceremonial display of several auspicious items. The Vishu Kani, an assortment of fruits, vegetables, and other items, is arranged the previous night by the woman of the house. It is the first thing the inmates of the house see in the morning, and represents prosperity and auspiciousness for the year ahead. Other Vishu traditions include a grand feast and the bursting of crackers. The older members of the family distribute money and gifts to the younger ones on this occasion.
Read this post to learn about Vishu 2025, including its significance, rituals, and celebrations.
Vishu 2025 Date
Vishu usually falls in the second week of April, around April 14 or 15. This year, it falls on April 14, Monday. According to the Drik Panchang, the Sankranti Moment on Vishu Kani will be at 3:30 AM on April 14. Vishu also marks the first day of Medam month in the Malayalam calendar. Though it marks the New Year of Kerala, the official Malayalam calendar begins with the Chingam month.
Significance of Vishu
In all countries and cultures, the New Year holds great significance. Though they may celebrate it on different dates, the feelings underlying it are universal. It is a time to set aside the regrets and disappointments of the outgoing year. It spells hope, fresh starts, new opportunities, and a chance to begin on a clean slate. New Year’s Day sets the mood for the rest of the year. Hence, it’s a very important day for everyone, including Malayalis.
Legends behind Vishu
Vishu is also associated with a story from Hindu mythology. On this day, Lord Krishna slew the demon Narakasura. The festival celebrates his victory.
Another legend links Vishu to the Surya Dev, the Sun God. The story goes that Ravana, the demon king, prevented the Sun from rising in the east.
After Lord Rama killed Ravana, Surya Dev continued his ascent from the east on Vishu. Since then, people have been celebrating the festival as a symbol of light, renewal, and divine order.
Rituals of Vishu
Vishu is a vibrant and culturally rich festival filled with interesting rituals. It represents prosperity, happiness, and good fortune. Let’s find out how people celebrate it.
Cleaning the House
The day before Vishu, people clean the house well. On the day of Vishu, they adorn the entrance with flower garlands, banana plants, and Rangolis. In the evening, they use colourful lights to illuminate the home, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Preparing the Vishu Kani
On Vishu, it is the custom to see the Vishu Kani first thing in the morning. The eldest female member of the family prepares it the night before. The arrangement includes an Uruli—a bell-shaped brass vessel—filled with auspicious things like coins, raw rice, flowers, seasonal fruits like mango and jackfruit, and yellow fruits like lemon, Malabar cucumber, coconut, a bunch of Konnapoo flowers, a metal mirror, and gold ornaments. All these are placed in front of a Krishna image or idol.
A traditional lamp, called the Nilavilakku, is lit and placed beside the Uruli. The eldest member of the family blindfolds the others and leads them to the Vishu Kani, so that they can see it first. People believe that this brings good luck and positivity.
While the Vishu Kani items represent prosperity, abundance, and good fortune, the Nilavilakku, which illuminates the Kani, represents the light of knowledge and hope.
People also recite passages from sacred texts like the Ramayana. This is called Ramayana Parayanam.
Visiting Temples
Many people make it a point to offer worship at temples like Sabarimala Ayyappa temple, Guruvayoor Sri Krishna temple, and Padmanabhaswamy temple, and seek blessings for a good new year. It is also the custom to perform Poojas at home and do acts of charity like feeding the poor and making donations.
Vishu Sadya
The Sadya or vegetarian feast is an integral part of Kerala’s festivals like Onam and Vishu as well as weddings. The Vishu Sadya features around 24 to 28 dishes served on a plantain leaf. It includes items like aviyal, kaalan, parippu, sambar, rasam, olan, pulissery, thoran, pachadi, injipuli, koottu curry, pickles, sharkkara varatti, payasam, etc. In addition to these, there are banana chips, buttermilk, and papadam. The Sadya showcases Kerala’s culinary heritage, using fresh, seasonal ingredients that symbolize the region’s agricultural abundance.
Vishu Padakkam
Vishu Padakkam is a ritual that involves bursting crackers. ‘Padakkam’ refers to firecrackers. The bursting of crackers signifies the dispelling of darkness and the arrival of light. Families gather outdoors to watch the colorful displays that brighten the night sky, creating a festive atmosphere.
Vishu Kaineettam
The elders offer Vishu Kaineetam (money or silver items) to the younger ones, and wish them happiness and success for the new year. This ritual signifies the sharing of wealth and prosperity and emphasizes the values of caring and sharing among family members.
Vishukkodi
People wear new clothes on Vishu. These are called Vishukodi.
Pathamudayam
On the 10th day after Vishu, oil lamps with 10 wicks are lit to signify the power and blessings of the Sun. This day is Pathamudayam. The day has great significance and astrological importance. It celebrates the Sun’s strength.
Conclusion
Every festival has a theme. The themes of Vishu, the Kerala New Year, are new beginnings, hope, and prosperity. With its unique rituals and customs, Vishu is a delightful festival that is steeped in the rich cultural traditions of God’s own country.