Vishu 2025: Date, timings, history, significance, celebration and all about Malayalam New Year

Vishu 2025: Vishu is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, marking new beginnings and the Sun's transition into Mesha Rashi.

Updated on: Apr 14, 2025, 11:05:26 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri

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Vishu 2025: Vishu, also referred to as the Malayalam New Year, is an important Hindu spring festival celebrated mainly in Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu. According to Indian astrology, the festival signifies new beginnings and the Sun's transition into Mesha Rashi, which is why it's observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam.

Vishu 2025: On April 14, 2025, Vishu, the Malayalam New Year, will be celebrated. (HT photo)

The festival coincides with the spring equinox, when day and night are of equal length, with the word "Vishu" in Sanskrit meaning "equal." From history to significance, here's all you need to know. (Also read: Baisakhi 2025: When is Baisakhi? Know correct date, history, significance and celebration )

Vishu 2025 date and timings

This year, the important festival of Vishu will be celebrated on Monday, April 14. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious time for observing Vishu Kani is at 03:30 AM.

Vishukkani: The Vishukkani is the most important ritual associated with Vishu. (Pixabay)

Vishu 2025 history

Vishu is steeped in rich history, mythology, and folklore. One tradition associates the festival with Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Another myth links Vishu to the return of Surya Dev, the Sun God. According to one folklore, the demon king Ravana had once stopped Surya Dev from rising in the east. After Ravana's demise, Surya Dev resumed his eastward journey on the day of Vishu, making the festival a symbol of the Sun's triumphant return.

Significance of Vishu 2025

Vishu, as per the Malayalam calendar, marks the New Year in Kerala and holds deep cultural, spiritual, and social significance. Vishu is observed on Mesha Sankranti, or Mesha Sankramam, and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, marking the beginning of a new astrological cycle. Celebrations revolve around three key elements: Vishu Kani (the auspicious sight), Vishu Kaineettam (the tradition of gifting money), and Vishubhalam (astrological predictions for the year).

Vishu 2025 rituals

Vishu Kani: Seen at dawn; arranged the night before with items like rice, fruits, flowers, coins, mirror, and a lamp (Nilavilakku) in a brass vessel (Uruli).

First sight: Family members wake up with closed eyes and view the Vishu Kani first for good luck and prosperity.
Ramayana reading: Verses from the Ramayana are recited after viewing the Kani.
Vishu Paddakam: Bursting of firecrackers follows as part of the celebrations.
Vishu Sadya: A grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves featuring 20–30 dishes like Aviyal, Thoran, Rasam, Payasam, and more.
Vishu Kaineettam: Elders gift money or tokens of prosperity to younger family members as blessings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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