Hindu · Kerala

Vishu 2027 विशु

Kerala New Year

Wednesday, 14 April 2027

Vishu is the Kerala new year festival, when families wake up to the Vishukkani, an auspicious display of fruit, gold and flowers, to begin the year with prosperity.

How the date is fixed: Mesha Sankranti: the day the sun enters Mesha (Aries), counted as the first day of the month of Medam in the Kerala solar calendar; usually 14 or 15 April

Why Vishu is celebrated

Vishu marks the start of the astronomical year in Kerala, when the sun enters Aries. Malayalis believe that the first thing a person sees on Vishu morning sets the tone for the whole year. So the festival centres on the Vishukkani, a careful arrangement of things that stand for wealth, food and light, placed before an image of Lord Krishna.

The word "Vishu" is linked to "vishuvam", the equal day, since the festival falls close to the spring equinox. The day carries a message of hope and thanks for the land's harvest, and it is a time for family members to come together and for elders to bless the young.

History and story of Vishu

Vishu is an old farming festival from the time when the agricultural year in Kerala began in Medam, before the first summer showers. Farmers would plan sowing for the new season around this date.

Several legends are told. One story says Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura on this day, which is why Krishna is placed at the centre of the kani. Another tradition holds that Ravana had stopped the sun from rising straight in the east, and that the sun took its proper course again only after Ravana was defeated. Devotees believe Vishu celebrates that return.

How Vishu is celebrated

The kani is set up the night before, usually by the eldest woman of the house. A bell metal vessel, the uruli, holds raw rice, a golden cucumber, a halved coconut, jackfruit, mango, betel leaves and arecanut. Gold ornaments, coins, a folded new cloth, a holy text and a metal mirror are added. Bright yellow kani konna flowers from the Indian laburnum tree surround a Krishna idol, and a brass lamp is set beside it.

Before dawn, she lights the lamp and leads each family member, eyes closed, to open them before the kani. Then elders give Vishukkaineetam, small gifts of money, usually amounts ending in one, to children and helpers. Children burst crackers, called Vishupadakkam. Lunch is the Vishu sadya, with dishes that are sweet, sour, salty and bitter, such as a mango curry and a neem flower preparation, to show that the year brings every kind of experience.

Important days and moments

Preparing the kani (Night before Vishu)
The eldest woman of the house arranges the uruli with rice, fruit, gold, coins, kani konna flowers and a Krishna idol before a brass lamp.
Vishukkani darshan (Before dawn on Vishu)
Family members are led with closed eyes to see the kani as the first sight of the year.
Vishukkaineetam and Vishu sadya (Morning to afternoon)
Elders hand out small money gifts, children burst crackers, and the family shares a vegetarian feast.
Temple visits (Through the day)
Crowds visit Sabarimala, Guruvayur and other temples for Vishukkani darshan.

Vishu across India

Coastal Karnataka celebrates the same day as Bisu, and Tamil Nadu marks Puthandu, the Tamil new year. Punjab has Baisakhi, Odisha has Pana Sankranti and Assam has Bohag Bihu on or near this date. In Uttarakhand, Baisakhi is marked with dips in the Ganga at Haridwar, and Malayali families in Dehradun set up their own kani at home.

Other names and related festivals

Bisu (Tulu Nadu)
Malayalam solar new year
Medam 1

Vaisakhi 14 Apr 2027
Tamil New Year (Puthandu) 14 Apr 2027
Bohag Bihu 15 Apr 2027
Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) 15 Apr 2027

Frequently asked questions

When is Vishu in 2027?

Vishu falls on Wednesday, 14 April 2027.

Is Vishu a bank holiday?

The RBI bank holiday lists for 2027 are not out yet; they usually come out in December or January. Each state follows its own list, so check your state's bank holiday page then.

Is Vishu a central government holiday?

Vishu is in the list of optional holidays. The central government employees' coordination committee of each state capital decides whether offices in that state close for it.

What are the other names of Vishu?

Vishu is also known as Bisu (Tulu Nadu), Malayalam solar new year, Medam 1.

What is Vishukkani?

Vishukkani is an arrangement of rice, fruit, gold, coins, cloth, a mirror and kani konna flowers before a Krishna idol. Family members see it first thing on Vishu morning.

What is Vishukkaineetam?

It is the custom of elders giving money to children and others in the family on Vishu. The gift is taken as a blessing for prosperity in the new year.

Is Vishu the Malayalam new year?

Vishu marks the solar new year as the sun enters Aries. The Kollam era calendar year, however, starts on 1 Chingam in August, so Malayalis celebrate both.