Vishu 2024

Vishu symbolizes wealth and prosperity. It means equality, signifying a day where night and day are of equal duration. Medam and Tulam are considered as Vishu months. Vishu begins when the sun moves from one zodiac sign to the next, which is termed as ‘Sankranti’. The most significant among these transitions is known as Mahavishu.
The belief is that the consequences of activities performed on Vishu will extend throughout the year.

Vishu 2024 Date

Vishu is an important celebration for Malayalee people, marking their New Year. In 2024, Vishu will be on April 14th, which is a Sunday. It usually happens in the second week of April every year, according to the English calendar.

Vishu of 2024 is on 14th April 2024

Legend of Vishu Festival – വിഷു ഐതിഹ്യം

The main focus revolves around two legends associated with Vishu. It is related to both Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.

1. Associated with Lord Krishna

Narakasura is often described in Hindu mythology as the son of Bhoomidevi, the Earth Goddess. According to the Bhagavata Purana, he holds the position of the demon king in Pragjyotisha, an ancient kingdom. Narakasura’s lineage and background are often shrouded in legends, but his existence is primarily marked by his reign of terror and his disruptive actions that caused immense trouble and suffering for the people.

One notable incident involving Narakasura’s mischief was when he brazenly stole the precious earrings of Indra, the king of gods, and the earrings of Aditi, his mother. This audacious act not only demonstrated his power and arrogance but also brought about significant consequences. The theft of these divine ornaments sparked a series of events that led to the intervention of Lord Krishna, a revered deity in Hinduism known for his divine powers and benevolence.

In response to Narakasura’s tyranny and misdeeds, Lord Krishna embarked on a mission to confront and defeat the formidable demon. The battleground was set in Pragjyotisha, where Narakasura held sway with his malevolent forces. The ensuing battle between the divine and the demonic forces was fierce and relentless, with both sides fiercely vying for victory.

Despite Narakasura’s formidable strength and his army’s resilience, they proved to be no match for the divine prowess of Lord Krishna. In a climactic moment of the battle, Krishna emerged victorious by vanquishing Narakasura and putting an end to his reign of terror. The defeat of the demon king marked a significant triumph of good over evil, righteousness over wickedness, and order over chaos.

Legend has it that Krishna’s victory over Narakasura not only liberated the people from the oppression and fear instilled by the demon but also heralded the beginning of a new era of prosperity and harmony. It is believed that this auspicious event coincided with the onset of the Vasanta season, symbolizing the renewal of life and the triumph of light over darkness.

As a celebration of this momentous victory and the dawn of a new era, the festival of Vishu is observed with great reverence and joy in many parts of India. Vishu serves as a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil and the eventual triumph of righteousness. 

2. Associated with Lord Rama

During the time when the demon king Ravana ruled over Lanka, he was not permitted to witness the direct rising of the sun. It is said that Ravana disliked the moment when the sun rises above the horizon because it signifies the passing of time, which he did not favor.

Only after the demise of Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama did the sun finally rise unhindered. It was only then that the sun rose directly without any obstacles. This particular occurrence brought immense joy and relief to the people, and it is this event that Vishu commemorates.

The custom of cleaning and decorating the surroundings of homes on the day of Vishu, known as Vishukkani, symbolizes the destruction of Lanka after the slaying of Ravana. This act of tidying up and beautifying the surroundings is believed to signify the renewal of hope and the triumph of good over evil.

Vishukani (വിഷുക്കണി)

When we hear the word “Vishu,” what immediately comes to mind is the Vishu Kani. It’s the Vishu Kani that sets our minds racing. It is when the elders of the household come together to prepare for the Vishu Kani. The Vishu Kani marks the beginning of Vishu Day. It is believed that the Vishu Kani opens the door to prosperity and abundance. It is during the Vishu Kani that hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year begin to blossom.

Essential Things Needed to do Vishukani (വിഷുക്കണി)

Below are the essential items required for Vishu Kani:

• ഓട്ടുരുളി – Brozne Cooking Vessel
• അരി, നെല്ല് – Rice
• അലക്കിയ മുണ്ട് – White Dhothi
• സ്വര്‍ണം – Gold Ornements
• വാൽക്കണ്ണാടി – Mirror
• കണിക്കൊന്ന – Indian Laburnum Flower
• വെറ്റില, അടക്ക – Betel Leaf, Arecanut 
• കണ്മഷി, ചാന്ത്, സിന്ദൂരം – Eye Ink, Red Ink, Crimson
• നാരങ്ങ, മാമ്പഴം, പഴുത്ത ചക്ക, പഴം – Lemon, Mango, Ripe Jackfruit, Banana
• നാണയം – Coins
• കണിവെള്ളരി – Cucumber
• നിലവിളക്ക് – Lamp
• നാളികേരപാതി – Coconut
• തുളസിമാലയും മുല്ലപ്പൂ മാലയും അണിയിച്ച ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണൻ്റെ വിഗ്രഹം – Krishna Statue with Thulasi and Jasmin Garlent

It is by using the items placed on top that Vishu Kani is prepared. When we behold these, we believe that a new year filled with wealth, health, and prosperity will come upon us.
After witnessing Vishu Kani, there is a custom of presenting Vishukaineetam to family members. It is a gesture of blessing, wishing abundance and prosperity to everyone in the household.

Vishu Sadhya

The Sadhya feast is a big deal during Kerala festivals.

• They cook special foods like Vishu Kanji, Thoran, and Vishu katta.
• Vishu Kanji is made from rice, coconut milk, and spices.
• Vishu katta is a tasty dish made from fresh rice powder and coconut milk, served with jaggery.
• Thoran is a side dish with its own special ingredients.
• Other yummy dishes include Veppampoorasam (a bitter neem dish) and Mampazhappulissery (a sour mango soup).
• Even temple offerings called bewu bella have sweet jaggery, bitter neem, and other flavors mixed in.
• The food for Vishu has different flavors like sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and astringent.
• It’s similar to a dish called pacchadi eaten on New Year’s Day in places like Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• These special dishes remind us that life has both good and tough times and encourage us to enjoy every moment.

Vishu Padakkam – Celebration of Vishu with Crackers

Vishu Padakkam, an integral part of Vishu celebrations in Kerala, brings an explosion of joy and excitement to households across the region. Following the auspicious Vishu Kani, families eagerly anticipate the spectacle of Vishu Padakkam, which marks the commencement of festivities. The tradition involves the joyful indulgence in fireworks and crackers, illuminating the night sky with vibrant colors and patterns. From the eve of Vishu to the day itself, people of all ages come together to revel in the dazzling displays, creating cherished memories with loved ones. The popularity of Vishu Padakkam is evident in the robust sales of firecrackers, surpassing even the renowned Deepavali festival in Kerala.

As part of Vishu Padakkam, families can explore a diverse array of firecrackers, each promising a unique experience to enhance the celebrations. Rockets soar high into the heavens, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Ground chakras whirl and spin, casting a mesmerizing glow reminiscent of blooming flowers. Families delight in the safe and captivating allure of flower pots, while fountain fireworks add a magical touch to the festivities with their sparkling displays. Garland crackers, known for their exhilarating booms and vibrant colors, ignite the spirit of Vishu, ushering in prosperity and happiness for the new year. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Vishu