Vishu

Vishu marks the solar new year season in Kerala and centres on the idea that the first sight of the year should be one of abundance, light and auspiciousness. Before dawn, elders arrange the Vishukkani: rice, fruits and vegetables, golden cucumber, coins, mirror, sacred text or other auspicious objects, yellow konna flowers and a lamp, usually placed before an image of Lord Krishna. Family members are led to the arrangement with their eyes closed so that the kani becomes their first deliberate sight of the morning. Elders then give Vishukkaineetam, gifts of money, to younger relatives, and families share a festive meal. The custom transforms ordinary household objects into a visual prayer for a balanced year—food, wealth, self-reflection, knowledge, beauty and divine presence gathered together at the threshold of a new solar cycle.

Vishu is valued for devotion, family tradition and the spiritual or seasonal meaning attached to the day.

The kani is seen at first light, and the eldest gives Vishukkaineetam - a small coin - to everyone younger. A sadya is eaten, and the day's food deliberately carries all the tastes, the bitter included. Firecrackers are set off in the morning rather than at night.

Kerala and Tulu Nadu, at the sun's entry into Mesha - the same day as Vaisakhi, Puthandu and Bohag Bihu. Kerala's other new year, Chingam 1, opens the Malayalam era in August, so the state effectively keeps two and treats Vishu as the astronomical one.