Vishu is a traditional festival in Kerala that marks the Malayali New Year. It is also celebrated in Tulu Nadu and Mahe, India.
Vishu is a Hindu festival that happens on April 14 or 15, depending on the Gregorian calendar. It is the first day of the month of Medam in the Malayalam calendar. The word “Vishu” means “equal” in Sanskrit, and the festival is celebrated differently in various parts of India. In Punjab, it is called Baisakhi, and in Assam, it is known as Bihu.
Vishu is considered a traditional New Year for Malayalis. Another New Year celebration according to the Kollam era calendar falls on the 1st of Chingham. The festival includes family gatherings and the preparation of colorful and auspicious items. These items are seen first thing in the morning on Vishu Day, known as Vishukkani. These rituals bring people together and mark the significance of the day.
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Vishu 2024 Date
In 2024, Vishu will be celebrated on Thursday, April 14. According to Drik Panchang, the special moment of Vishu Kani will happen at 9:15 PM on April 13. This moment marks a significant time in the festival’s rituals. People start their celebrations the next day April 14.
Vishu History
Vishu has a rich history that is rooted in mythology and folklore. One tradition is that Vishu marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
Another myth suggests that Vishu celebrates the return of Surya Dev, the Sun God. According to this folklore, the demon king Ravana stopped Surya Dev from rising in the east. After Ravana’s fall, Surya Dev began to rise in the east on the day of Vishu. Since then, Vishu has been widely celebrated as a significant festival in Kerala and other regions.
Vishu Celebration
Vishu begins with the ritual of seeing the Vishu Kani at first light. An elder family member prepares the Vishu Kani the day before the festival. This involves arranging a bell-shaped vessel called an Uruli filled with symbolic lamp called Nilavilakku is placed next to the Uruli.
On the festival day, family members wake up with their eyes closed and then look at the Vishu Kani first thing in the morning to bring good luck and prosperity.
After this, the family recites verses from the Ramayana. This is followed by bursting crackers, known as Vishu Paddakam, which adds excitement to the celebration.
Later, the family comes together to enjoy a grand feast known as Vishu Sadya. This traditional meal is served on banana leaves and includes 20 to 30 different dishes. Some of the popular items in the feast are Vishu Thoran, Beans Thoran, Beetroot Pachadi, Manga Peukku, Tomato Rasam, Aviyal, Sarkara Varatti, Olan, Chakka Aviyal, and Semiya Payasam. This delicious meal is a beloved part of the festival and is celebrated with great joy by everyone.
Vishu Significance
In the Malayalam calendar, Vishu is an important festival in Kerala that marks the New Year. It is celebrated with various traditions, festivals, and gift-giving that hold great cultural, spiritual, and social meaning.
The word “Vishu” means “equal” in Sanskrit and refers to a day with equal hours of daylight and nighttime, also known as the equinox. Vishu is celebrated by families on the day of Mesha Sankranti, also called Mesha Sankramam.
People honor this time of year, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, by worshiping both Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. The three main features of Vishu celebrations are Vishu Kani, Vishu Kaineettam, and Vishubhalam.
Vishu Wishes
- Wishing you a bright and prosperous Vishu!
- May this Vishu bring you good fortune and happiness!
- Have a joyful and blessed Vishu with your loved ones!
- May this Vishu fill your life with peace and abundance!
- Here’s to a fresh start and new beginnings this Vishu!
- May your Vishu be as sweet and colorful as the feast!
- Sending you warm wishes for a wonderful Vishu!
- May this Vishu bring you success and joy in all your endeavors!
- Happy Vishu! May your day be filled with love and light!
- Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness this Vishu!
- May your home be filled with laughter and joy this Vishu!
- Sending you love and good wishes for a memorable Vishu!
- May the spirit of Vishu brighten your days all year long!
- Have a beautiful and serene Vishu celebration!
- Wishing you a year of growth, prosperity, and blessings!
- May you find peace and fulfillment this Vishu!
- Have a delightful and festive Vishu with your family!
- May your Vishu be full of love, laughter, and light!
- Wishing you a bountiful Vishu and a fruitful year ahead!
- May your Vishu be filled with warm moments and happy memories!
Also Read: Baisakhi 2024: Know Date, Celebration, History and Significance