Vishu (Malayalam: വിഷു) is a Hindu festival that marks the Malayali New Year in Kerala and Mahe. It falls on the first day of the month of Medam, the opening month of the solar calendar followed in the Malabar region, corresponding to 14 or 15 April in the Gregorian calendar. The festival signifies the solar new year, when the sun is said to move into the zodiac sign of Aries.
Vishu is regarded as the traditional new year of the region, distinct from the Kollam era calendar, which was formed at Kollam in 825 CE and whose new year falls on the 1st of Chingham (16 or 17 August). The festival coincides with several other new year observances across India in regions where the sun's path is traditionally followed, including Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bengal, the North-East, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Jammu. The Songkran festival in parts of South East Asia falls on the same date, and traditions in Laos share the use of the Kanikonna flower. The Sinhalese New Year in Sri Lanka also coincides with Vishu and includes related customs such as a ritual viewing, flower blossoms, traditional foods and fireworks.
A central practice of the festival is the Vishukkani, an arrangement of auspicious items viewed as the first sight on Vishu morning. Malayalis traditionally include the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items, cloth (pattu), a mirror, rice, coconut, cucumber, fruits and other harvest produce. The arrangement is considered to set a positive tone for the year ahead.
Festivities also include the bursting of fireworks in the days leading up to Vishu, culminating on the day itself. People wear new clothes, known as Kodi, and partake of a traditional feast called Sadhya. As part of the custom of Kaineettam, elders give a small amount of pocket money to children as a token of blessing.