Sun enters sidereal Aries (Medam 1)
Vishu
Also known as Vishu Kani
Vishu is the astronomical New Year of Kerala, kept when the Sun enters sidereal Aries (the month of Medam). The heart of the festival is the Vishukkani: the first auspicious sight a person beholds on waking, arranged the night before.
2026
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
2027
Thursday, 15 April 2027
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Significance
The Kani, a tableau of golden konna flowers, rice, fruit, gold, a mirror and a lamp before an image of Krishna, is believed to set the tone of prosperity for the whole year; what you see first, you carry forward. As a solar festival it falls on nearly the same April date every year.
How Vishu is observed
Elders arrange the Kani and lead the family, eyes closed, to behold it at dawn. Children receive Vishukkaineettam (gift money) from elders, fireworks are lit, and a grand sadya of many courses is served on a banana leaf.
FAQ
What is the Vishukkani?
The ceremonial “first sight” of Vishu: konna blossoms, raw rice, fruit, gold, coins, a mirror and a lit lamp arranged before Lord Krishna, viewed at dawn for a prosperous year.
Why does Vishu fall in mid-April?
Because it is solar: it marks the Sun’s entry into sidereal Aries (the month of Medam), which drifts only slowly, so it lands on 14–15 April.
What is Vishukkaineettam?
The gift of money handed by elders to younger family members on Vishu morning, a token of blessing and good fortune.
Around the same season
Plan around Vishu
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