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Vishu 2023: Rituals, traditions, facts and all you want to know

Vishu is a festival celebrated in Kerala with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Updated on: Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM IST

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Vishu is a festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Kerala and in some other parts of South India. It marks the beginning of the traditional New Year in the Malayalam calendar, which is based on the astronomical observations of the equinox. Vishu is typically observed on the first day of the month of Medam (April-May) in the Malayalam calendar, which usually falls on or around April 14 in the Gregorian calendar. Here are some key facts about the festival and the rituals involved. (HT Photo/Vidya Subramanian)

Updated on Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM

Vishu is a festival celebrated primarily in the Indian state of Kerala and in some other parts of South India. It marks the beginning of the traditional New Year in the Malayalam calendar, which is based on the astronomical observations of the equinox. Vishu is typically observed on the first day of the month of Medam (April-May) in the Malayalam calendar, which usually falls on or around April 14 in the Gregorian calendar. Here are some key facts about the festival and the rituals involved. (HT Photo/Vidya Subramanian)

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Meaning: The word "Vishu" means "equal" or "equinox" in the Malayalam language. It signifies the day when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal length.  (HT Photo/Saumya Khandelwal)

Updated on Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM

Meaning: The word "Vishu" means "equal" or "equinox" in the Malayalam language. It signifies the day when the sun crosses the equator and day and night are of equal length. (HT Photo/Saumya Khandelwal)

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Celebrations: On Vishu day, people wake up early and view the Vishukkani, which is arranged in the puja room or in a special place in the house. They also offer prayers and perform rituals, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts. Traditional dishes like "Vishu Kanji" (rice porridge) and "Vishu Katta" (rice cake) are prepared and shared with family and friends.  (File Photo (Shutterstock))

Updated on Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM

Celebrations: On Vishu day, people wake up early and view the Vishukkani, which is arranged in the puja room or in a special place in the house. They also offer prayers and perform rituals, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts. Traditional dishes like "Vishu Kanji" (rice porridge) and "Vishu Katta" (rice cake) are prepared and shared with family and friends. (File Photo (Shutterstock))

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Significance: Vishu is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. It is believed that the first thing a person sees on Vishu morning sets the tone for the rest of the year, so people often set up a ritual display called "Vishukkani" the night before, which includes items like rice, fruits, flowers, gold, and a mirror.  (HT Photo/Kunal Patil)

Updated on Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM

Significance: Vishu is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. It is believed that the first thing a person sees on Vishu morning sets the tone for the rest of the year, so people often set up a ritual display called "Vishukkani" the night before, which includes items like rice, fruits, flowers, gold, and a mirror. (HT Photo/Kunal Patil)

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Rituals: In addition to the Vishukkani, people also light lamps, burst firecrackers, and perform other rituals to welcome the new year. There is also a custom of giving "Vishukkaineetam" (money gifts) to children and the elderly.  (PTI)

Updated on Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM

Rituals: In addition to the Vishukkani, people also light lamps, burst firecrackers, and perform other rituals to welcome the new year. There is also a custom of giving "Vishukkaineetam" (money gifts) to children and the elderly. (PTI)

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Regional variations: While Vishu is primarily celebrated in Kerala, there are variations in the way it is observed in different parts of the region. For example, in some areas, Vishu is also associated with the harvest season and is celebrated with agricultural rituals.  (Pixabay)

Updated on Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM

Regional variations: While Vishu is primarily celebrated in Kerala, there are variations in the way it is observed in different parts of the region. For example, in some areas, Vishu is also associated with the harvest season and is celebrated with agricultural rituals. (Pixabay)

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Vishukkani: The Vishukkani is the most important ritual associated with Vishu. It is a special arrangement of items, including rice, flowers, fruits, coins, and a mirror, that is set up the night before Vishu in the puja room or in a special place in the house. The first thing a person sees on Vishu morning is the Vishukkani, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.  (Pixabay)

Updated on Apr 12, 2023 4:05 PM

Vishukkani: The Vishukkani is the most important ritual associated with Vishu. It is a special arrangement of items, including rice, flowers, fruits, coins, and a mirror, that is set up the night before Vishu in the puja room or in a special place in the house. The first thing a person sees on Vishu morning is the Vishukkani, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. (Pixabay)

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