The state of Kerala welcomed Vishu 2025, the Malayalam New Year, with bright lights, bursting crackers, and grand family feasts. The festival, deeply rooted in tradition, is celebrated across the state with devotion, prosperity rituals, and joy.
Marking the first day of the Medam month in the Malayalam calendar, Vishu is not just a new beginning it’s a spiritual and emotional reset that combines faith, harvest, and hope for a better year ahead.
Vishukkani: the first sight of prosperity
The most cherished tradition of Vishu is the Vishukkani—a carefully arranged display of auspicious items like rice, fruits, vegetables, flowers (especially Kanikonna), coins, mirror, and holy texts.
Families wake up early to see the Vishukkani—believed to set the tone for the year. Children are blindfolded and led to the display, reinforcing the idea of starting the day (and year) with divine blessings.
Crackers, clothes & celebration
Vishu also means:
- Vishu Kaineettam: Elders give money to youngsters as a sign of blessings and good fortune.
- New traditional clothes (Kattina Mundu): Worn to mark fresh beginnings.
- Fireworks and bursting crackers: Especially among children.
- Feast (Sadya): A lavish vegetarian meal served on banana leaves, including dishes like avial, olan, sambar, and payasam.
Homes are cleaned and decorated with lights and deepams (lamps) to welcome light and positivity into the year.
Spiritual significance
Vishu commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura and is linked to the spring equinox and agricultural cycles. Temples like Guruvayur, Sabarimala, and Sri Padmanabhaswamy witness large crowds offering special pujas on this day.
Vishu 2025: celebrations go digital
This year, Vishu messages flooded social media platforms with wishes, images, and quotes in both English and Malayalam. Hashtags like #HappyVishu, #VishuKani, and #MalayalamNewYear trended across Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Stay safe, stay happy
Vishu is not only about tradition, but also mental peace and emotional wellbeing. Experts say taking time off with family, engaging in rituals, and practising gratitude helps reduce stress and start the year on a positive note.
Vishu 2025 quick facts
- Date: April 14, 2025 (Monday)
- Tithi Begins: April 13, 3:05 PM
- Tithi Ends: April 14, 1:18 PM
- Key Ritual: Vishukkani (auspicious viewing)
Main Festive Meal: Vishu Sadya
