What is Vishu, and why do we celebrate it?

I celebrate Vishu every year with my family members and closest friends, but I never knew the story behind how the festival was established or what is unique about this celebration. I’m now eagerly waiting to write more about this vibrant and amazing celebration.

Vishu is a state holiday in the southern Indian state of Kerala, usually observed on April 14th or 15th every year. It is the beginning of the Tulu calendar and one of the most important holidays in Kerala. The festival of fire and fireworks, Vishu, is the second most celebrated after the Onam festival. It is observed on the initial day of the Malayalam month Medam, which in mid-April falls at the time of the Spring Equinox when day and night last equally.

The festival begins early in the morning with religious worship throughout the year. Families stage a tray of religious offerings like flowers, fruits, vegetables, rice, coins, and gifts beside a lamp in the family’s puja room or a Hindu temple. For us, my family usually gives and receives money and sweets. The gifts are known as Vishukkani, or “the first view of Vishnu.” One of the traditions that accompany this is kaineettam (coins) given to the children by an older family member, symbolizing prosperity and good luck.

Also, a traditional Malayali sadhya (feast) is prepared, which consists of a lot of food such as banana chips, curries, rice, etc., all placed on a banana leaf. On Vishu, people dress in yellow and white clothing—women wear sarees, girls wear skirts and tops, and men and boys wear the mundu, which is a long traditional skirt and shirt. The outfit symbolizes purity, prosperity, and good luck, which fits the theme of the festival being new beginnings and prosperity. The color white represents purity, serenity, and harmony, while yellow represents prosperity, tradition, and the gold color of the Vishukkani decoration, the bulk of the celebration. Vishu is more than a time to usher in newness and wealth; it is a time to reflect on family, tradition, and the collective celebration of one’s culture. This is what makes Vishu such a special and meaningful celebration for everyone who celebrates it.