Vishu 2024: Learn about the Timings, Rituals & Significance of Kerala’s Harvest Festival
Vishu, also known as the Malayalam New Year, is a significant festival celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala. This auspicious occasion marks the beginning of a new year according to the Malayalam calendar, typically falling in mid-April. Vishu holds great cultural and religious significance for the people of Kerala, as it symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and the hope for a fruitful year ahead. The festival is characterized by various customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in the rich heritage of the region. In this article, we will delve into the vibrant celebration of Vishu, exploring its rituals, symbolism, and the spirit of unity it brings to the people.
Vishu 2024 Date in India: 14th April, Sunday
Vishu 2024 Overview
Festival Name | Vishu |
Observed by | Malayali People |
Type | Cultural, Seasonal |
Significance | Malayali Harvest Festival |
Observances | Kani, Kaineetam, Kanji, Kani konna, Optionally Padakkam (firecrackers) |
Begins | 4:00 am Brahma Muhurta |
Date | First day of the month of medam (Aries) in the Malayalam calendar |
Holiday Type | Restricted Holiday |
Vishu 2024 India Calendar
Celebrate Vishu 2024 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.
Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun |
01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 |
08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
29 | 30 |
Significance of Vishu
Vishu is a festival that embodies the spirit of new beginnings and fresh starts. It is believed that the way one spends Vishu sets the tone for the rest of the year. The word “Vishu” itself means “equal” in Sanskrit, signifying the equal length of day and night during this time of the year. It is a time when nature is in full bloom, with flowers adorning every nook and corner. The festival is also associated with Lord Krishna’s avatar as Lord Vishnu, who is considered to be the preserver of the universe.
Vishu Kani 2024 Time
On the auspicious day of Sunday, April 14, 2024, the vibrant and joyous celebration of Vishu Kani will take place. As the sun sets, heralding the arrival of a new day, the Sankranti Moment on Vishu Kani will occur precisely at 09:15 PM on April 13. This traditional ritual involves the arrangement of a beautiful and ornate display, known as the Vishu Kani, which consists of a mirror adorned with golden flowers, precious jewels, aromatic spices, and a tray filled with fruits, grains, and other auspicious items. This elaborate setup is carefully designed to bring good luck, prosperity, and blessings for the coming year.
When is Vishu 2024 in Kerala?
Usually, Vishu, a traditional festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala, occurs only on the 14th or 15th of April every year. This auspicious day marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and is eagerly awaited by the people of Kerala. It is a time of joy, new beginnings, and celebrations, with families coming together to observe age-old rituals and customs. The date of Vishu is determined based on the solar calendar, and it is believed that the festival brings prosperity and good fortune to all who celebrate it.
Vishu 2023 Date | Saturday, 15 April |
Vishu 2024 Date | Sunday, 14 April |
Vishu 2025 Date | Monday, 14 April |
Vishu 2026 Date | Wednesday, 15 April |
Vishu 2027 Date | Thursday, 15 April |
Vishu 2028 Date | Friday, 14 April |
Rituals and Traditions of Vishu
The celebration of Vishu involves a series of rituals that are observed with great devotion and enthusiasm. One of the most important customs is the preparation of the “Vishukkani,” which translates to “the first thing seen on Vishu morning.” The Vishukkani is an arrangement of auspicious items such as rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, gold coins, and a mirror. It is believed that setting eyes on the Vishukkani as soon as one wakes up brings good luck and prosperity for the entire year.
Another significant tradition is the “Vishukkaineetam,” which involves giving money or gifts to younger members of the family. This act of generosity symbolizes the sharing of wealth and blessings with loved ones. It is also common for people to visit temples on Vishu morning to seek blessings and offer prayers for a prosperous year ahead.
The Feast of Vishu Festival
No celebration in Kerala is complete without a sumptuous feast, and Vishu is no exception. The traditional Vishu feast, known as “Sadya,” is a grand affair that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the region. The Sadya consists of a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf, including rice, sambar, avial (a mixed vegetable dish), thoran (stir-fried vegetables), and payasam (a sweet dessert). The feast is a symbol of abundance and unity, as families come together to share a meal and strengthen their bonds.
Symbolism and Customs of Vishu
Vishu is a festival steeped in symbolism, with each element holding a deeper meaning. The golden flowers of the Konna tree, which bloom during this time, are considered auspicious and are an integral part of the Vishu celebrations. People decorate their homes with these vibrant flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. The lighting of lamps, known as “Vishu Vilakku,” is another important custom associated with the festival. It is believed that the light from these lamps wards off evil spirits and brings prosperity and happiness.
Happy Vishu 2024 Wishes
- Happy Vishu to you and your loved ones. May this year bring happiness and prosperity in your lives.
- The special time of the year is here. Let’s welcome the new year with open arms. Happy Vishu.
- Let’s celebrate this auspicious day of Vishu with mirth and joy, for the new year will bring lots of success and prosperity for us.
- Let’s relish on sadhya and love our loved ones a little more this year. Happy Vishu.
- Happy Vishu. May the lord bless us with happiness and hope on this day.
What is Vishu celebrated for?
Vishu is a spring festival celebrated by Malayali Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India, marking the vernal equinox.
Why Vishu is celebrated only in Kerala?
According to legend, the demon king Ravana prevented the Sun God from rising in the East, but after his death, the Sun God began to rise again. Hindus in Kerala celebrate this by commemorating the return of the Sun God.
Why is Vishu called New Year?
Vishu is celebrated as the New Year in Kerala and marks the day when the Sun enters Aries. The name Vishu means equal in Sanskrit, and it is the first day of the Malayalam month Medam when the Sun reaches the equator.
Is Vishu New Year in Kerala?
Vishu is an important festival in Kerala that celebrates the beginning of the New Year in the Malayalam calendar.
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