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Vishu festival in 2025 falls on Mon, 14th April according to the predictions by SearchIndia. Vishu is a malayalam festival and is celebrated by Malayalees or Kerala people. Vishu is celebrated as one of the 6 Malayalam Festivals by Malayalees or Kerala people and celebrations and rituals remarking Vishu is carried out differently in different parts.
Vishu is a vibrant and culturally significant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the southern Indian state of Kerala and by Malayali communities worldwide. Marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, Vishu falls on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam, which typically corresponds to April 14th or 15th in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is a time of joy, renewal, and prosperity, symbolizing the hope and promise of a new beginning.
The word "Vishu" translates to "equal" in Sanskrit, signifying the day when the sun crosses the equator, resulting in equal day and night. This astronomical event is celebrated as a time of balance and harmony, reflecting the festival's deeper spiritual significance. Vishu is a celebration of light, abundance, and the cyclical nature of life, embodying the values of hope, renewal, and prosperity.
One of the most iconic aspects of Vishu is the "Vishukkani," which means "the first thing seen on the day of Vishu." The Vishukkani is a carefully arranged display of auspicious items, including rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers, gold, coins, and a mirror, all placed in a traditional brass vessel called "uruli." The arrangement is completed with a lit lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of light and prosperity. It is believed that viewing the Vishukkani first thing in the morning brings good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
The preparation of the Vishukkani is a meticulous process, often done the night before Vishu. Family members, especially children, are led to the Vishukkani with their eyes closed, to be opened only in front of the display. This ritual is a cherished tradition that fosters a sense of anticipation and joy, marking the beginning of the New Year with positivity and hope.
Vishu is also celebrated with the bursting of firecrackers, adding to the festive atmosphere. The sound and light of the fireworks symbolize the dispelling of negativity and the welcoming of new beginnings. This tradition is particularly enjoyed by children, who eagerly participate in the celebrations.
A significant culinary aspect of Vishu is the "Vishu Sadhya," a traditional feast that includes a variety of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf. The Sadhya is a celebration of Kerala's rich culinary heritage, featuring dishes like avial, thoran, sambar, and payasam. This elaborate meal is a time for families to come together, share in the joy of the festival, and express gratitude for the abundance of nature.
In addition to the Sadhya, a unique tradition associated with Vishu is the "Vishu Kaineettam," where elders give money to younger family members as a token of blessings and good fortune. This gesture reinforces familial bonds and the spirit of generosity and sharing.
Vishu is not only a festival of joy and abundance but also a time for reflection and renewal. It is an opportunity for individuals to set new goals, embrace positive changes, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the blessings of the past year. The festival underscores the values of hope, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life, reminding devotees of the importance of balance and harmony.
In contemporary times, Vishu continues to be celebrated with great fervor, both in Kerala and among the Malayali diaspora worldwide. The festival serves as a reminder of Kerala's rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of hope, renewal, and prosperity. It is a time for families and communities to come together, celebrate the joy of new beginnings, and seek blessings for a harmonious and prosperous year ahead.
In conclusion, Vishu is a festival that embodies the spirit of renewal, abundance, and cultural richness. Its observance is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the universal values of hope, prosperity, and new beginnings. As families and communities come together to celebrate Vishu, they are reminded of the timeless teachings of their ancestors and the blessings of light and prosperity.