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Vishu is the astronomical or zodiac New Year in Kerala and is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of ‘Medam.’ From an astrological point of view, Vishu is of immense significance. The day and night are of equal duration on the Vishu day (12 hours). Usually Vishu is held on April 14, but this year (2015) it is shifted to April 15th. This is because Vishu is decided based on the transition of the sun from Meena Rashi to Mesha Rashi (Meda Rasi). Vishu with Vishukkani is observed after the Sun enters Mesha Rashi. This means the transition should take place before sunrise on April 14 to observe it on the day. If the transition is after sunrise on April 14 then Vishu is observed on April 15. Kani konnapoo- image courtesy: Wikimedia.org What are the highlights of Vishu? Vishukkani, Vishukaineetam and Vishubhalam are the highlights of Vishu. Vishu starts with Vishukkani, the first auspicious thing people see on the day. It is during the Brahma Muhurtha or ideal...

Today, April 14th, is Vishu festival. It is also the New Year of Keralites. The main features of this festival are - Vishukkani, the golder flower called konna poo, vishukkaineetam, vishu sadhya etc. The day begins with Vishukkani (Click here) . You can also check out this page for more info. Significance of Vishu (Click here) Wish you all a happy vishu.

14th April was the New Year Festival for many Indians in different parts of the country. They celebrated the New Year with different names. In Kerala, it was "Vishu" whereas in Tamil Nadu it was called "Puthandu," and for Bengalis and Punjabis the New Year was "Baisakhi". Assamese celebraated it as "Goru Bihu". The important features of this festival (Vishu) are Kani Kanal (viewing the auspicious things as the first sight of the year), Kaineetam (distributing money by the elders to the young ones). The yellow colored flower called "Konnapoo" blooms during Vishu time and it is an important part of the Vishu Kani preparation.