On the morning of April 14, 2025, the vibrant festival of Vishu will be celebrated across Kerala, marking the onset of Medam, the first month of the Malayalam solar calendar. This joyous occasion signifies new beginnings, prosperity, and the triumph of light over darkness. Closely aligned with other regional solar new year festivals like Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Pohela Boishakh in Bengal, Vishu holds a special place in the cultural and spiritual landscape of Kerala.
The word "Vishu" translates to "equal," referring to the day when daylight and night are nearly equal in length. This festival is associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, and it is believed that viewing auspicious items early on this day brings prosperity and good fortune throughout the year. For many, the celebration is not only a spiritual ritual but also a time for family gatherings and cultural bonding.
The centerpiece of Vishu celebrations is the Vishukkani, which means "the first thing seen on Vishu morning." This arrangement typically includes rice, seasonal fruits, golden laburnum flowers (konna), a mirror, and sacred texts, all placed before an image of Lord Krishna. Family members wake up early to see the Vishukkani, a moment believed to set the tone for the rest of the year. In the words of a Kerala resident, "It’s how I reset my year—by waking up in silence, looking at symbols of what I want to attract: balance, beauty, growth."
As the sun rises, the festival comes alive with a burst of fireworks, a tradition eagerly awaited by children and families alike. This is followed by the Vishu Sadya, a grand feast served on banana leaves, featuring a variety of dishes that reflect the rich culinary heritage of Kerala. Popular items include mango pachadi, inji curry, avial, parippu, and payasam, creating a multi-course celebration that emphasizes unity and gratitude.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards eco-conscious celebrations, with many households opting for organic produce and reusable items, adding a sustainable lens to the traditional festivities. Tech entrepreneur Adarsh Pillai, who returns home to Thrissur for Vishu, expressed, "We chase productivity all year. Vishu reminds me of something slower—family chats in the courtyard, plantain leaf meals, and stories from Ammachi about how Krishna defeated Narakasura."
Another cherished aspect of Vishu is the tradition of Vishu Kaineettam, where elders gift coins or currency to younger family members as blessings for prosperity. This exchange is more than just a monetary gift; it symbolizes goodwill and the passing down of family values. As 17-year-old Arya Suresh from Alappuzha shared, "My grandfather always gives us a coin wrapped in a banana leaf with a proverb or a blessing written on it. It’s our family’s little tradition within a tradition."
As Vishu approaches, households prepare meticulously, cleaning their homes and sourcing items for the Vishukkani. The vibrant konna flowers bloom during this season, adding a splash of color to the celebrations. The eldest member of the household usually prepares the Vishukkani the night before, ensuring that everything is in place for the auspicious morning.
Additionally, Vishu is a time for reflection and setting intentions for the year ahead. Lakshmi Namboodiri, a wellness coach in Thiruvananthapuram, noted, "Vishu is when we clean our homes and minds. It’s the most beautiful reminder that prosperity isn't just wealth, but peace, relationships, and rituals we return to." This sentiment resonates deeply with many Malayalis, who view the festival as a chance to realign their priorities and embrace new beginnings.
On a broader scale, Vishu is recognized as a public holiday in Kerala, with government offices, banks, and schools closed for the day. Markets, especially flower vendors and sweet shops, see a sharp rise in sales leading up to the festival. Temples such as Guruvayur Temple, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and Ambalappuzha Krishna Temple witness massive crowds, as families come together to celebrate their faith and heritage.
Moreover, the festival is not confined to Kerala alone. Malayali communities across the globe—from the UAE to the USA—observe Vishu with family gatherings, online prayer sessions, and virtual sadya celebrations, ensuring that traditions are kept alive even far from home.
As the golden rays of the rising sun touch the Vishukkani, households across Kerala prepare to welcome a new beginning filled with gratitude, abundance, and love. Vishu 2025 promises to be a celebration of balance, blessings, and belonging, with its deep-rooted rituals serving as a vibrant testament to Kerala’s cultural richness and community spirit. This year, as families gather to share in the joy of the season, they will not only celebrate the arrival of the new year but also the enduring bonds that connect them to their heritage and each other.
