Vishu 2026 Muhurat Timings
Vishu Date
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Medam 1 (Malayalam)
Sun enters Mesha
April 14, 2026
~02:15 AM IST
Vishukkani Time
Brahma Muhurta
4:00 AM - 5:30 AM
Sunrise (Kochi)
April 14, 2026
6:15 AM IST
How to Setup Vishukkani
Vishukkani Items List
Vishukkani (auspicious first sight) is arranged the night before Vishu. The eldest woman of the house sets it up near the family deity. Items include:
- Uruli (Bronze vessel) - The base container
- Raw rice - Symbol of prosperity
- Konna flowers (Cassia fistula) - Golden shower flowers
- Golden cucumber (Vellarikka) - Prosperity symbol
- Coconut halves - With water/oil and wicks
- Arecanut, Betel leaves - Traditional offerings
- Holy texts (Ramayana/Bhagavad Gita)
- Gold ornaments/coins - Wealth symbol
- Mirror - To see one's reflection
- New cloth (Kasavu mundu) - White with gold border
- Fruits: Jackfruit, mangoes, bananas
- Lighted Nilavilakku - Traditional brass lamp
Morning Ritual: Family members are led to the Kani with eyes closed, then opened to see the auspicious arrangement first thing in the new year.
Kerala Vishu Traditions
Vishukkaineettam Tradition
After viewing the Vishukkani, elders give Vishukkaineettam (money gifts) to younger family members. Traditionally, coins were given, but now currency notes are common. The amount is usually kept as a blessing, not spent immediately. Many elders place coins in the Vishukkani and give these blessed coins to children.
Vishu Sadya Menu
Vishu Kanji
Special rice porridge made with rice, coconut milk, and jaggery. Some add raw rice variety (Navara).
Thoran
Vegetable stir-fry with coconut. Multiple varieties served on Vishu Sadya.
Avial
Mixed vegetables in coconut-yogurt gravy. Essential Sadya item.
Payasam
Sweet pudding - Ada Pradhaman, Parippu Payasam, and Palada Pradhaman.
Note: While Vishu Sadya is grand, it's typically simpler than Onam Sadya. Non-vegetarian dishes are also common in many Kerala households on Vishu.
Famous Temples for Vishu
Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple
Location: Pathanamthitta | Deity: Lord Ayyappa
Special Vishu puja for devotees. Temple opens for Vishu celebrations.
Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple
Location: Thrissur | Deity: Lord Krishna
Grand Vishu celebrations with special darshan and feeding programs.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple
Location: Kottayam | Deity: Lord Shiva
Famous for Ezhara Ponnana (seven and a half golden elephants) festival near Vishu.
Vadakkunnathan Temple
Location: Thrissur | Deity: Lord Shiva
Ancient temple with elaborate Vishu celebrations.
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Location: Thiruvananthapuram | Deity: Goddess Bhagavathy
Important Devi temple with special Vishu puja.
Vishu Padakkam - Fireworks
Bursting Vishu Padakkam (crackers) is a beloved tradition, especially for children. The sound of crackers early morning marks the celebration. Popular items include:
- Patasu (small crackers)
- Olappadakkam (palm leaf crackers)
- Kathina (sparklers)
- Fountains and flower pots
Safety note: Use crackers responsibly and in open areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Vishu 2026 in Kerala?
Vishu 2026 falls on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. It marks Medam 1 in the Malayalam calendar, coinciding with the Sun's entry into Mesha (Aries).
Is Vishu different from Tamil Puthandu?
Vishu and Tamil Puthandu (Tamil New Year) fall on the same day - April 14. Both celebrate the solar new year when the Sun enters Mesha rashi. The traditions differ between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Why are Konna flowers important for Vishu?
Konna (Cassia fistula/Golden Shower) is Kerala's state flower and blooms in April. Its golden color symbolizes prosperity and is considered highly auspicious for Vishukkani.
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