Vishu is the New Year of Malayalis – it is the astronomical or zodiac New Year in Kerala and is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of ‘medam.’ In 2014, the date of Vishu is April 15. Historically the festival is closely associated with the agrarian economy of Kerala – a state is the southern part of India
The Vishu day celebrations begin with the ‘Vishukani.’ ‘Vishu Kani’ is the first auspicious thing that people see on the day and this takes place during the Brahma Muhurta or ideally between 0400 hrs and 0600 hrs.
The ‘Vishukani’ is usually prepared on the night before the Vishu day. Immediately on awakening from sleep, people close their eyes and proceed towards the place where Vishukani is placed. This is known as Kani Kanal – kani means ‘that which is seen first.’
Vishukani consists of rice, kasavu mundu (traditional cloth of Kerala), gold, silver, coins, mirror (usually Aranmula Kannadi or mirror with a tail), cucumber, mango, jackfruit, coconut, banana, and Kanikonna (yellow flower known as Indian Laburnum). The Vishukani is exhibited in an ‘urali’ – a traditional vessel of Kerala. It is placed in front of an idol or portrait of Lord Krishna. Traditional Kerala lamp is lit near it.
Then, the eldest member in the family gives ‘Vishukaineetam’ to the family members. The Vishukaineetam is usually coins but nowadays people also prefer other expensive gifts. Hindus then worship at nearby Sri Krishna temples.
Vegetarian food, consisting of traditional Kerala fare, is prepared on the day and includes the mouthwatering ‘payasam.’
From an astrological point of view, Vishu is of immense significance. The day and night are of equal duration on the Vishu day (12 hours). ‘Vishubhalam’ or the predictions for the next year is read on the day.
The preparation for next agricultural season begins on the Vishu day. Earlier, farmers used to plough the land on this day and it was referred as ‘Vishupootu.’
It must be noted that Vishu is not the first day in the regional solar calendar followed in Kerala. The Malayalam Calendar begins in Chingam (August).
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34 comments:
well written. Thank you for info. I was looking for Vishu data in 2010. Good neat crisp writing.
thanks for the info.
very good detailing of vishu. small and explanative.
Cheers
prasad
THANKS BOR,ITS VERY USEFUL TO NRI LIKE ME
Nice. vishu is the symbol of good luck hope and prosperity. it is really a nice remembrance about our rich traditions and culture every year. I still remember my childhood at one of the villages in kerala, where i used to get some 'kaineettam' on vishu morning.
Is it still there?
Three important points are missing:
1. Vedikkettu (Fireworks). After the Vishukkani elders join the children in the fireworks.
2. Vishukkodi (New Dress). Vishu is not complete without new dress to each and every member of the family.
3. Appam (Cakes). Varieties of Appams are made. These are also distributed to relatives and guests who happen to visit the family on the day of Vishu.
In 2010, why is Vishu celebrated on Medam 2nd (April 15th) and not on Medam 1st (April 14th)?
- Benoy
Written well...Thanks Abhilash..I was looking for the exacy date..
well Written ...
I was looking for the date of vishu
From Vishnu(Bangalore)
hai thank you
well written ...
@Hareendran your village should still be there. Where do you think it can go or vanish! :)
In my childhood I feel Vishu is better than Onam. In onam we should collect flower in early mornring. Decoration at courtyard is after bath. only then we will get breakfast. But vishu has not such difficulties. Will get crackers and kaineettam.so happy
Dileepan.R.P
vishu enthina 15 lottu matti vechathu?
THERE ARE NO APPAM PREPARED ON VISHU DAY. VISHU SADHYA ON BANANA LEAF - AH AWSOME. I AM REALLY MISSING ALL THESE- I REALLY MISS MY CHILDHOOD AND NOW WITHOUT MY CHILDREN AROUND I DONT LIKE TO CELEBRATE VISHU.
thanks for the infmn on vishu 2010. Was confused as to it is on 14th or 15th. the trivia on vishu comes handy for people who are in a nuclear family and no one to guide to. thnks once again.
that the day and night are equal on vishu is a wrong concept. The concept is called Equinox and it falls on March 20 this year.
On March 20, the day and night are equal at equator. Kerala being a few degrees North, the equal length happens by April 15th.
thank u for ur great information i just saw this. actually me and family were thinking to see vishukkani on 14th april 2010. Thank u so much..May god bless u dear.
'Vishuvam' in Samskritam means Equal Night and day. On the day of vishu the length of Day is equal to length of night. Hence the name "Vishu"
Thank you abilash well written even few missing likes Vishu kodi, Vishu special children fire works enjoyment with whole family members and Vishu katta (In Thrissur district western side this will prepare first thing in kitchen for the breakfast -rice with coconut milk and other ingredient. And normally having vishu katta with pure honey but for my part adding vishukatta with pappadam
Thanks Abhilash.
No, there is No Vishu Kodi for Vishu. Vishu come with only Vishu Kkani, padakkam (fireworks) and vishu kkatta. But remember Vishu Kkatta cannot be eaten with honey. That is a disrespect towards Vishu kkatta. Also, we need to use the word "Padakkam" not fireworks. The word Fireworks is a disrespect too. I have added it in brackets for clarity.
thanks ,I am in confusion about vishu day, now cleared.
well written...came to clarify the date..thanks n all the best
Thank you Cery much for the information!!!
Well written..thanks for the informaiton
- Bibin
Bangalore
Thanks..n happy vishu to everyone :-)
Thank you so much Brother it helped in this early morning to wish my girl friend i was quite confused and this info helped me now once again thanks a lot Gowtham Vyasarpadi, chennai 600039.
Thank you.
Simple and precise!
Thanks for the information on Vishu....
Thanks Abhilash !
I had fight with the Vishu's date for 2010 with my friends, was searching for a proof to show him.
Thanks to your blog writing, it helped me.
Thanks da :)
Thanks for the info, very nicely written.
Had confusion about the dates, now cleared
Thanks for the info. very helpful information
Thanks a lot for the information.
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