Vishu
Vishu (Malayalam: വിഷു) is a Hindu festival celebrating the Malayali New Year in Kerala, Tulu Nadu, and Mahe of India. Vishu falls on the first day of the month of Medam in the Malayalam Calendar (April 14 or 15 in the Gregorian calendar). It is the traditional new year, while the Kollam era calendar new year falls on the 1st Chingham.
| Vishu | |
|---|---|
A traditional Vishu kani setting with auspicious items. | |
| Official name | Vishu |
| Observed by | Malayali People |
| Type | cultural, seasonal |
| Significance | Malayali New Year (traditional) |
| Observances | Kani, Kaineetam, Kanji, Kani konna, Optionally Padakkam (firecrackers) |
| Begins | 4:00am Brahmamuhurtha |
| Ends | end of the day |
| Date | First day of the month of medam (Aries) in the Malayalam calendar |
| 2023 date | Sat, 15 April |
| Related to | South and Southeast Asian solar New Year |
The festival is marked by family time, preparing colourful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day (Vishukkani). In particular, Malayalis seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items, cloth (pattu), mirror, rice, coconut, cucumber, fruits and other harvest products. Days before Vishu, people start bursting fireworks at their houses and it concludes with lot of fireworks on day of Vishu. People wear new clothes (Koti) and they eat a feast called Sadhya. In Kaineettam, elders give a small amount of pocket money to children.