Vishu 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, History, Significance And Celebration Of Malayalam New Year
Vishu 2025 Date And Time: Vishu 2025 will be celebrated on April 14, marking the Malayalam New Year with rituals like viewing the Vishu Kani, reciting the Ramayana, and enjoying the Vishu Sadya feast.
Vishu 2025 Date And Time: Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala, the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka, the Mahe district of Puducherry, several districts of Tamil Nadu, and in countries with a significant Malayali diaspora. In Kerala, it is observed as a regional public holiday.
Vishu is commemorated on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam, which typically falls on April 14 or 15 in the Gregorian calendar. It marks the traditional New Year in Kerala, although the official Malayalam calendar (Kollam Era) begins with the month of Chingam.
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“Vishu" means “equal" in Sanskrit; therefore, this isn’t simply a Malayalam event. Across India, the festival is known by several names. It is referred to as Baisakhi in Punjab and Bihu in Assam.
Vishu 2025: Date and Time
This year, Vishu will be celebrated on Monday, April 14. As per Drik Panchang, the Sankranti Moment on Vishu Kani will take place at 3:30 AM on April 14.
Vishu 2025: History and Significance
The history of Vishu is steeped in mythology and folklore. One popular belief is that Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on this day. Another legend links Vishu to the return of Surya Dev, the Sun God. According to this tale, Ravana, the demon king, had prevented the Sun from rising in the east.
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After Ravana’s death, Surya Dev resumed his ascent from the east on the day of Vishu. Since then, the festival has been celebrated by many as a symbol of light, renewal, and divine order.
In Kerala, Vishu is a major celebration that marks the start of the New Year, according to the Malayalam calendar.
The Sanskrit word Vishu, meaning ‘equal,’ refers to an equinox—a day with equal hours of daylight and darkness.
Vishu is celebrated on the day of Mesha Sankranti, also known as Mesha Sankramam, marking the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Aries. The festival is observed with prayers and rituals dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, symbolising prosperity, renewal, and divine blessings.
Vishu 2025: Rituals and Celebration of Malayalam New Year
As part of the early morning rituals, the Vishu Kani is traditionally viewed at first light. It is prepared the night before by an elder member of the family. The arrangement features an Uruli—a bell-shaped brass vessel—filled with auspicious items such as coins, raw rice, flowers, fruits, and other symbolic offerings.
A traditional lamp, known as the Nilavilakku, is lit and placed beside the Uruli, creating a serene and sacred sight to begin the day.
On the special day, family members wake up but keep their eyes closed for some time until they look at the Vishu Kani first thing in the morning. By doing this, they believe that it will invite good fortune and money.
As part of the ritual, families recite passages from the Ramayana and celebrate Vishu Padakkam by bursting firecrackers. The festivities culminate in the Vishu Sadya, a grand feast enjoyed by the entire family.
This traditional meal served on banana leaves, typically features 20 to 30 dishes and is a cherished highlight of the celebration.
Popular dishes include Vishu Thoran, Beans Thoran, Beetroot Pachadi, Manga Pulissery, Tomato Rasam, Aviyal, Sarkara Varatti, Olan, Chakka Aviyal, and Semiya Payasam.
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