📅 14 April 2026Returns next year
Vishu विषु
Vishnu / Krishna · No fasting required
Malayali New Year on Medam 1 (Sun's entry into Mesha rashi), centred on the Vishukkani — the first auspicious sight at dawn. Elders arrange a uruli (bronze vessel) the previous night with raw rice, golden Konna (cassia fistula) flowers, fresh fruits, a mirror, gold coins, a yellow cucumber, and an image of Krishna; family members are led to it blindfolded at sunrise to ensure their first vision of the year is prosperous.
Rituals (vidhi)
- 1.Vishukkani arrangement before midnight on Vishu eve
- 2.Blindfolded darshan of the kani at brahma muhurta
- 3.Vishukkaineetam — elders gift coins to children
- 4.Visit to Guruvayur, Sabarimala, or local Krishna temple
- 5.Sadya feast of 26 dishes on a banana leaf
Significance
The kani is a visual sankalpa — what the eye sees first sets the tone for the entire year. Konna flowers blooming yellow are considered Krishna's favourite. Astronomically aligned with Baisakhi, Puthandu, and Pohela Boishakh as the pan-Indian solar new year on Mesha Sankranti.
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