Vishu, one of the most important festivals of Kerala, is celebrated with much fanfare by Malayalis across the world. The festival is observed on the first day of the Medam month, signifying the sun’s transition into the first solar month as per the solar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar.

While Chingam is the first month in the traditional Malayalam calendar, the first day of Medam is considered the astronomical new year and celebrated as Vishu, which means equality. Vishu celebrates spring equinox and is observed in the early hours of the day.

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Traditional rituals are followed on the day as people pray for prosperity in the coming year.

The main event of the day is called ‘Kani-Kanal’. A Vishukkan is prepared, which is essentially a traditional arrangement that is viewed first on this day.

The night before Vishu, the woman of the house prepares this setting. In front of a garlanded idol of Krishna or Vishnu, fruits, vegetables, cereals, coconuts, a new piece of cloth, a gold or silver ornament and konna flower (cassia fistula) are offered. A mirror is also kept along with the offerings in front of the deity, and a lamp is kept ready to be lit in the morning.

Early morning, before sunrise, the woman of the house wakes up first and lights the lamp (kani). She then brings other members of the house one by one, blindfolded, to the place where the kani is kept. They open their eyes and see the auspicious kani. The elders bless the younger lot, and give some money (Vishu Kaineetam) to them.

The word ‘kani’ literally means “that which is seen first”.

In Kerala, special pujas are conducted in Guruvayur, Sabarimala are other famous temples where many people go to see the special kani on this day and pray for a prosperous year ahead.

The festival is usually celebrated sometime mid-April every year. This year, the Medam month started on April 14 but after sunrise, which is why Vishu is being celebrated on April 15.

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It’s usually a holiday in Kerala schools, colleges and offices as families celebrate the entire day with feasts and cultural events. Bursting fire crackers is also part of the festivities. A traditional feast, called ‘sadya’, is prepared and the whole family sits together and enjoys the Vishu lunch.

Sadya, consisting of various traditional vegetarian dishes usually served on a banana leaf, is the mainstay of all Kerala festivals.

Restaurants serving Kerala food invariably have Sadya on their menu on Vishu. Why don’t you head to the nearest one and treat yourself to a sumptuous Sunday lunch?