Vishu is the Malayalam New Year and it falls on the first day of Malayalam month Medam (April).  This year Vishu falls on April 15. Medam is the ninth month in the new calendar but Vishu is celebrated according to the older calendar so the first day of Medam is considered to be the New Year Day.

The first thing people see on Vishu is 'Vishukkani'. 'Vishukkani' is an arrangement of auspicious articles like raw rice, gold, squash, banana, betel leaves, mirror, traditional Kerala attire (kasavu mundum neryathum), kanni konna ( the yellow flowers), nilavilakku (lighted metal lamp) and idol of Lord Krishna. The younger members of the family receive Vishukaineetam (gifts) from the elders. Several generations of the family sits together and enjoys the vegetarian feast prepared for lunch. The famous Sree Krishna temple at Guruvayoor, Trichur holds great importance during Vishu.

People In various states of India celebrate the new year around this time and it is very interesting to see how people of different culture and language celebrate the New year around same time and this is most probably because the months, March-April is the harvest time and is a special joy for everyone.