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Vishu Kani 2027: The Malayalam New Year – Dates, Timings & Rituals

Vishu Kani: The Malayalam New Year - Dates, Timings & Rituals

Vishu 2027 falls on Thursday, 15 April. Mesha Sankranti occurs at 3:33 PM on 14 April, after three-fifths of the day, so by Kerala tradition Vishu is celebrated the next day. It marks the first day of the solar month of Medam. Families view the Vishukkani, an auspicious arrangement of rice, Kanikonna flowers, golden cucumber, fruits, gold and a mirror placed before Lord Krishna, as the first sight of the day. Celebrations include Vishukkaineettam (gifts of money), firecrackers and a festive Sadya.

Introduction

Vishu comes from the Sanskrit word “Vishuva”, meaning equal and, in the context of this festival, it is traditionally linked to the spring equinox, when day and night are equal. Today, Vishu follows the Sun’s entry into sidereal Aries, about three weeks after the equinox. It is a belief that a person’s future is a function of what one experiences and if he/she experiences auspicious and joyful things as the first thing on Vishu, the year may turn into a fruitful one for the person.

Vishu Kani 2027 Date & Timings

Mesha Sankranti is celebrated as Vishu Kani in the Southern state of Kerala. In Kerala, especially in the Malabar region, Vishu is considered the astrological New Year, while the official Malayalam (Kollam Era) calendar begins in the month of Chingam. In 2027, Vishu Kani will be celebrated on Thursday, April 15. Mesha Sankranti occurs at 03:33 PM on April 14, after three-fifths of the day, so Vishu falls on the next day as per the Kerala tradition. In 2027, Vishu falls a day after Ram Navami, Puthandu and Baisakhi.

EventDate & Time
Vishu Kani 2027Thursday, 15 Apr 2027
Mesha Sankranti Moment03:33 PM, Wednesday, 14 Apr 2027
Vishukkani DarshanEarly morning (before sunrise), Thursday, 15 Apr 2027

About Vishu Kani & the legend behind Vishu Kani

Vishu marks the Sun’s entry into Mesha (Aries), which begins the solar month of Medam in the Malayalam calendar, and the start of the new agricultural year. Several mythological tales are related to the celebration of Vishu Kani. Some believe Vishu is the day when Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, killed a demon called Narakasura. Another belief is that Vishu Kani is celebrated with the return of Surya Dev or the Sun God. According to it, the demon King Ravana prevented the Sun God’s rising from the East. Since then, Vishu is celebrated with great zeal.

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Vishu Kani Significance & Rituals

The Malayalam word “Kani” literally means “that which is seen first”, so “Vishukkani” means “that which is first sighted”. The traditional belief is that one’s future is a natural activity that involves one’s experiences. Therefore, people view Vishu as the first thing on the New Year so that they may have favorable and joyous experiences in their lives, starting from the first day of Vishu Kani. On the night before Vishu, usually the mother or eldest woman of the family arranges the Kani before an idol of Lord Krishna or Lord Vishnu in the prayer room. A sacred ceremonial preparation of auspicious items such as an uruli (bell-metal vessel) holding raw rice, Kanikonna (golden shower) flowers, a golden cucumber (kani vellari), a split coconut, betel leaves, areca nuts, fruits, gold ornaments, coins, a new kasavu mundu, a holy text and a metal mirror (Aranmula kannadi) is placed in the worship area as a part of Vishu Kani. These items are considered to be a good omen for they attract good fortune and prosperity.

“Nilavilakku”, a traditional tall brass oil lamp, is also lighted and placed together with Vishu Kani before the deity.

It is believed that each member of the family is recommended to wake up early, bathe and enter the house temple to get the first view of Vishu Kani to start the New Year on an auspicious note.

Thousands of devotees gather at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple and Sabarimala in the early hours for Vishukkani darshan, viewing the Kani arranged before the deity.

Therefore, Vishu Kani is arranged with great care and precision to create a positive aura in the house.

Vishu Kani Festival Celebrations

Vishu is celebrated with fanfare and vigor in Kerala. Vishukkani, the sighting of the auspicious arrangement of the idol at dawn on the day of Vishu,is considered to be the most integral part of the festival.

People celebrate it along with their families by preparing colorful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the day of Vishu.

Vishu Padakkam or bursting crackers is an important part of Vishu Kani.

People wear new clothes and enjoy the special festival delicacy called Sadhya, which is a combination of sweet, salty, sour, and bitter ingredients. A tradition of exchanging money which is called Kai Neetam is also considered a blessing from the family.

Besides this, Veppam Poo Rasam, a dish prepared out of Neem flowers is served along with Mambazha Pachadi, a delicious combination of sweetness from Mango and spiciness from chillies. These are the principal dishes prepared on the day of Vishu Kani.

Vishu is part of a family of Solar New Year festivals celebrated across India, including Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Baisakhi in Punjab.

Let’s Usher A New Beginning And Banish All Our Worries. Happy Vishu Kani!

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FAQs

What is the date of Vishu Kani in 2027?

In 2027, Vishu Kani will be celebrated on Thursday, April 15.

What is the significance of Vishu Kani?

Vishu Kani signifies the Sun’s transit into the first Lunisolar month in the zodiac sign of Mesh or Mesha (Aries), marking the beginning of the new Lunisolar and harvest year. It is believed that experiencing auspicious things on Vishu can lead to a prosperous year.

What are the traditional items used in Vishu Kani?

The Vishu Kani includes items like raw rice, Kanikonna flowers, a golden cucumber, a split coconut, betel leaves, areca nuts, fruits, gold ornaments, coins, a new kasavu mundu, a holy text, and a metal mirror, all arranged in a sacred manner.

How is Vishu Kani celebrated in Kerala?

Vishu Kani is celebrated with family by preparing auspicious items, wearing new clothes, bursting crackers, and enjoying the festival delicacy called Sadhya. A tradition of exchanging money called Kai Neetam is also practiced.

What is the historical or mythological significance of Vishu?

Vishu is linked to several mythological tales, including the belief that it marks the day when Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. It is also associated with the return of Surya Dev, the Sun God, after being prevented from rising by demon King Ravana.