On Vishu, Malayali Hindus worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. In temples including Sabarimala Ayyappan temple and Guruvayur Sree Krishna temple, celebrations start in the early hours of the day. For the festival, friends and relatives gather to cook delicacies.
Is Vishu a Public Holiday?
Vishu is observed as a public holiday in the states highly populated with Malayalis such as Kerala, several areas in Tamil Nadu, Tulu Nadu in Karnataka and Mahe District in Pondicherry. In these selected states, the schools, universities, academic institutions and other government offices remain closed or minimally operational. Public transport services such as metros, buses, autos however remain fully functional or follow a proper schedule.
Vishu in 2021: Mythological Significance
Vishu History holds great significance for the followers. Vishu is celebrated on the first day of Medam or the month of Malayalam, or between the Gregorian calendar months of April and May, while Vishu symbolises the beginning of the spring season. In Kerala, Vishu is observed as the harvest festival and the astrological New Year of the Malayalis, a Hindu festival. Vishu indicates the sun’s movement to Aries or Mesha Rashi and marks the day on which farmers begin ploughing land and other farming activities.
The celebration of Vishu is connected to many mythological tales; and according to one such story, Vishu is the day when Lord Krishna killed Narakasura, a demon. Vishu is known as the return of Surya Dev, according to another belief. Ravana, the demon king, never permitted Surya Dev or the Sun God to rise from the east, according to other folktales. It was on Vishu’s day, after Ravana’s death, that the sun, or Surya Dev, began to rise from the east. Vishu has been celebrated with great enthusiasm since then.
Religious Significance of Vishu
In Sanskrit, Vishu means equal, which means day with the same number of hours, day and night, or equinox. Vishu is a family festival on the day of Mesha Sankranti, or Mesha Sankramam. It is a time devoted to Lord Vishnu and is celebrated by Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna’s worship. The three most important elements of the Vishu celebrations are Vishu Kani, Vishu Kaineettam and Vishubhalam.
Vishu Rituals In India
The first thing kids see on the day is believed to represent abundance. Vishukkani is ready for this. Yellow flowers are collected and placed next to an idol of Lord Krishna/Vishnu, along with money, silver and gold objects, lemons, coconuts, a mirror, and rice and oil lamps. In order to see the lights, children are blindfolded and taken to the altar and begin the new year on an auspicious note. People are wearing new clothes and firecrackers are bursting as well.
The eldest member of the family usually lights up the lamps and collects each member, blindfolds them and takes them to the vishukanna. Kolams are often made to mark the occasion in front of houses and on porches. People meet each other and welcome each other and enjoy a traditional feast.
Vishu Celebrations In India
According to the religious belief of local people on the previous night of the Vishu festival, in a worship room or area of the home before the idol of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna on the altar by an eldest lady of the house. Vishu Kani is considered by all Hindu Malayalis as the emblem of good luck and prosperity. Thus, in Malayalam Kani means "which is seen first," the word "Vishu Kani" means the first thing to be seen at dawn or early hours of the day. This will bring them prosperity in the New Year, the devotees think.
A sacred ritual preparation of all auspicious goods deemed to be the omen of good luck and prosperity consists of the Vishu Kani. Coconut, betel leaves, Arecanut, yellow KaniKonna flower, Kanmashi kajal, raw rice, lemon, golden cucumber, jackfruit, a metallic mirror, a holy book, cotton dhoti and coins or currency notes are all collected in a bell-shaped metal vessel called "Uruli" in Malayalam. All these items are collected in a bell-shaped metal vessel. "A traditional metal bell shaped lamp called "Nilavilakku ’’ is also lit and put before the deity along with the Vishu Kani. All the members of the family have to wake up early in the morning at dawn with closed eyes on the day of Vishu, according to the traditional belief of the people, to go to the worship area of the house to get the first view of the Vishu Kani because it will bring them good luck throughout the year. Therefore, to create a positive image, the Vishu Kani is arranged with great care and precision.
People recite verses from Ramayana, the Holy book of the Hindus, which is considered to be a sacred act, after seeing the Vishu Khani. The first page of the Ramayana opened by the devotee is believed by Malayalis to have a huge effect on his/her life in the coming year. The children and adults exploded crackers after this, and this continues from morning to night. An important part of the Vishu celebration enjoyed by both large and small is known as ’Vishu Paddakam" or the bursting of crackers. "A popular feast known as "Vishu Sadhya " follows this.
Vishu 2021 Wishes
- May Shri Krishna shower you with his choicest blessings on the beautiful day of Vishu. A very Happy Vishu to you and your loved ones.
- Hope this Vishu brings in your life the happiness you have always wished for and makes all your dreams come true.
- Ormakal Koodu Kootiya manasinte Thalir chillayil, Ponnin niramulla Orayiram Ormakalumayi, oru Vishu koodi varavayi. Othiri snehathode Orayiram “Vishu Ashamsakal”
- May you be blessed with peace, prosperity and good fortune! Happy Vishu.
- Ellavarkkum, nanmayude yum, snehatindeyum Vishu ashamsakal!
- Sambal Samrithi Dayum Aishwaryam Niranja Oru Nalla Vishu Kalam Ashamsikunnu. Happy Vishu!
- May Lord Vinayagar shower, his divine blessings on you and fill your life with new hopes and endless celebrations! Happy Vishu!
ವಿಷು Observances
| ವರ್ಷ | ವಾರದ ದಿನಗಳು | ದಿನಾಂಕ | ಹೆಸರು | ರಜೆಯ ಪ್ರಕಾರಗಳು |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ಸೋಮ | 15 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ | ವಿಷು | ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಜೆ |
| 2020 | ಮಂಗಳ | 14 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ | ವಿಷು | ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಜೆ |
| 2021 | ಬುಧ | 14 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ | ವಿಷು | ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಜೆ |
| 2022 | ಶಕ್ರ | 15 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ | ವಿಷು | ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಜೆ |
| 2023 | ಶನಿ | 15 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ | ವಿಷು | ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಜೆ |
| 2024 | ರವಿ | 14 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ | ವಿಷು | ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಜೆ |
| 2025 | ಸೋಮ | 14 ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ | ವಿಷು | ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಜೆ |
FAQs
1. What are Kolams?
Kolam, or also known as Muggu is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder or rock powder, often using naturally or synthetically colored powders.
2. Why are Kolams given such importance on auspicious occasions?
The kolam is a symbol of an open heart and an auspicious welcome, as well as a colorful, devotional presence. Women draw kolams as an enticement to prosperity for their homes and businesses.And they are a sign of invitation to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and wealth.
3. Is Vishu a bank holiday in India?
Vishu is considered a bank holiday in Kerala and other states with a high population of Malayalis.
From the above information, it is evident that the festival of Vishu 2021 in India is celebrated on ಏಪ್ರಿಲ್ 14 with grandeur and excitement. We hope you have liked this article on Vishu in India. Thank you for being an important part of AstroSage.