Vibrant Vishu: Celebrating the New Year and the Triumph of Good over Evil

Vishu is a significant festival celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other nearby regions. It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of April every year according to the Malayalam calendar. Vishu is considered the Malayalam New Year and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional fervor.

The word Vishu is derived from the Sanskrit word “Vishuvat,” which means “equal.” Vishu is celebrated during the spring equinox when day and night are equal in length. It is believed that the day brings good luck, prosperity, and success to one’s life.

The significance of Vishu lies in its religious and cultural connotations. Vishu marks the beginning of the agricultural season, and people offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. The festival is also associated with the Hindu mythology of Lord Krishna and his incarnation as Lord Vishnu. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil and the beginning of a new cycle of life.

On the day of Vishu, people get up early in the morning and view the Vishukkani, which is an arrangement of auspicious items such as rice, coconut, betel leaves, flowers, and fruits, placed in front of a mirror. It is believed that seeing the Vishukkani first thing in the morning will bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year.

Another important aspect of Vishu is the tradition of giving and receiving money called Vishu Kaineetam. Elders give money to the younger members of the family, symbolizing the transfer of wealth and blessings from one generation to another.

Overall, Vishu is a significant festival that holds immense cultural and religious importance for the people of Kerala and the surrounding regions. It brings together families and communities, and the festivities create a sense of unity and harmony among people.