🌞 Vishu – April 14, 2026 (Tuesday)

Festival: Vishu
Region: Kerala, Tulu Nadu, Konkani communities
Significance: Malayalam New Year / Zodiac New Year
Key Ritual: Vishukkani Darshanam

📅 Panchang for Vishu – 14 April 2026

Vishukkani is best viewed in Brahma Muhurat before sunrise.

🌼 What is Vishu?

Vishu marks the beginning of the astronomical New Year in the Malayalam calendar. It is celebrated when the Sun enters Mesha Rashi (Aries), symbolizing the start of a new cycle of prosperity, harmony, and abundance.

Vishu is considered a day of equilibrium—when day and night are nearly equal—symbolizing balance and renewal.

It is one of the most important festivals in Kerala, deeply connected with agriculture, tradition, and spiritual philosophy.

🌟 Major Rituals of Vishu

1️⃣ Vishukkani Darshanam

The highlight of Vishu is the ritual of Vishukkani, arranged the night before. It includes:

• Kanikonna (golden shower flower)
• Rice, coconut
• Fruits & vegetables
• Gold ornaments
• New clothes
• Sacred texts
• Mirror
• Nilavilakku (traditional lamp)
• Lord Krishna’s idol or portrait

People view Vishukkani first thing at dawn, as it signifies how the rest of the year will be—prosperous and radiant.

2️⃣ Vishu Kaineettam

Younger members receive Kaineettam (money or gifts) from elders.
It symbolizes blessings, prosperity, and abundance for the new year.

3️⃣ Vishu Sadya (Feast)

A grand vegetarian feast is prepared with traditional Kerala dishes:

• Vishu Kanji
• Thoran
• Olan
• Avial
• Erissery
• Payasam

The feast symbolizes prosperity, unity, and good fortune.

4️⃣ Temple Visits

People visit temples like:

• Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
• Sabarimala
• Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

Special pujas and rituals are performed, with large gatherings.

5️⃣ Fireworks & Cultural Events

In many regions, especially in Thrissur and Palakkad, children burst crackers, marking joy and celebration.

✨ Significance of Vishu

🌱 Agricultural Significance

Begins the farming cycle, prayed for good harvest.

🌞 Astronomical Significance

Marks the Sun’s entry into Aries – a time of renewal & fresh beginnings.

🙏 Spiritual Significance

Vishukkani symbolizes:

• clarity
• wisdom
• abundance
• divine blessings for the year ahead.

🏡 Cultural Significance

Reflects Kerala’s tradition of harmony, gratitude, and prosperity.

📖 Informative Article

Vishu, celebrated on April 14, 2026, marks the first day of the Malayalam month Medam, which is considered the zodiac New Year of Kerala. Rooted in ancient astronomical traditions, Vishu holds immense importance among Keralites and Malayalam-speaking communities worldwide.

The centerpiece of the celebration is the Vishukkani, meaning “that which is seen first.” Arranged with divine objects symbolizing prosperity—such as ripe fruits, grains, gold, sacred texts, and Lord Krishna’s idol—it sets the tone for the year ahead. Residents wake up before sunrise, eyes gently covered, and walk toward the lamp-lit altar to witness the Vishukkani. It is believed that this first visual brings blessings, wealth, and success throughout the year.

Vishu also emphasizes generosity through Kaineettam, where elders give money or gifts to younger members. This act of blessing symbolizes renewal of familial bonds, prosperity, and kindness.

A grand Vishu Sadya, comprising several traditional dishes and payasams, brings families together in celebration. Temples across the state perform special rituals, and many communities celebrate with fireworks and cultural activities.

Vishu is more than a festival—it’s a symbolic renewal of hope, abundance, gratitude, and new beginnings. It beautifully intertwines Kerala’s spiritual, agricultural, and cultural identity.