Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended warm wishes to the people of the state on the eve of Vishu celebrations, emphasizing the festival's significance as a symbol of "prosperity and abundance." Vishu, an important festival in Kerala, is set to be celebrated on Monday, April 14, 2025. In his message, Vijayan highlighted that Vishu represents a moment of unity, where individuals come together to share hopes and dreams for a future filled with growth and well-being.
He stated, "Our land thrives in diversity and harmony. The festivals we celebrate—especially Vishu—are occasions where people from all walks of life come together in unity. Let this year's Vishu celebrations be a proclamation of our togetherness and collective spirit." His heartfelt message encapsulates the essence of the festival, which is rooted in the rich agricultural heritage of Kerala.
Vishu, also known as the Malayalam New Year, is celebrated in various parts of India, coinciding with the Hindu New Year, which begins from the Pratipada Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. Traditionally, the festival marks the spring equinox, a time when day and night are nearly equal in duration. This year, the festivities will take place on April 14, 2025, and preparations are already underway.
As part of the celebrations, families engage in a ritual known as Vishukani, where they decorate their homes with new clothes, jewelry, fruits, and sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana. This arrangement is made in front of a deity at midnight, and upon waking, the first sight is the Vishukani—a practice believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.
In Kerala, Vishu is marked by vibrant celebrations, with people wearing new clothes and preparing special dishes to share with family and friends. The festival is not only a time for personal reflection but also a moment for families to come together, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories.
Alongside the festivities, various greetings and wishes are shared among loved ones through messages, WhatsApp statuses, and social media posts. Popular wishes include sentiments like, "May this Vishu bring you joy, prosperity, and abundance," and "Wishing you a Vishu filled with new hopes and aspirations." These messages reflect the spirit of the festival, which encourages positivity and gratitude.
Vishu is celebrated with grandeur in Kerala and resonates with similar harvest festivals across India, such as Poila Boishak in West Bengal and Baisakhi in Punjab. The festival serves as an important reminder of the agricultural roots that sustain the communities and cultures of the region.
On Vishu, women traditionally adorn themselves with beautiful jewelry, including Kasu Mala, Palakka Mala, and Mullamottu Mala, adding to the festive atmosphere. The day is also marked by the tradition of Vishukkaineetam, where elders bless younger family members with money, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
As the festival approaches, many people are preparing to share their joy and blessings through various forms of communication. From heartfelt messages to vibrant wishes, the spirit of Vishu is alive and well, inviting everyone to participate in the celebrations.
In summary, Vishu is much more than just a New Year celebration; it is a time for reflection, community, and a renewed commitment to shared values and traditions. As families gather to celebrate this auspicious occasion, the essence of togetherness and hope continues to shine brightly.
In Kerala, Vishu is a day of joy and abundance, a time to cherish familial ties and cultural heritage. As the festival approaches, the excitement in the air is palpable, with everyone looking forward to the blessings and opportunities the new year will bring.
Wishing everyone a Happy Vishu filled with love, laughter, and prosperity!
