Significance and Observance
Vishu is one of the most popular
and celebrated South Indian festivals. It is widely observed in Kerala. It is
the traditional New Year for the inhabitants of the state. People living in
Kerala speak the Malayalam language; therefore, the festival is also known as
Malayalam New Year. According to Hindu astrology, the Vishu festival day marks
the Sun’s transit to zodiac Aries or Mesha Rashi. Astronomically, this festival
denotes one of the vernal equinox days.
The first day of the Medam month is regarded as the Vishu
festival. The Vishu festival date generally falls on April 14. The festival can
also be known as the South Indian Baisakhi, Bihu, or Puthandu because similar
festivals are celebrated in other states of India on the same day.
It is observed in the parts of the
central and northern areas of Kerala. The festival is considered auspicious and
a new beginning. It is celebrated with colorful rituals and ceremonies, full of
joy and zeal.
Vishu festival is more of a Hindu
astrological favoring occasion and less of a religious event. The official
Malayalam New Year falls in the first month of Chingam, i.e., in August and
September. Vishu festival has more importance than Chingam as it has no
astrological or astronomical significance.
Vishu festival is considered as a
beginning to a peaceful, hopeful, fortunate, and prosperous year.