Vishu Festival 2023, Date, Meaning, Historical Background, and Significance

Vishu Festival 2023: Vishu Festival is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Indian state of Kerala and in some parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Vishu 2023 Festival is also important for UPSC Prelims 2023 and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 1- Art and Culture, Local festivals across India).

Vishu Festival 2023 in News

Recently, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the special occasion of Vishu. Generally, Vishu Festival is celebrated on 14^th April as per Gregorian Calendar but this year Vishu Festival Date 2023 has been celebrated on 15^th April 2023.

Vishu 2023 Date

Vishu is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in the southern Indian state of Kerala and in some parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. It is celebrated on April 14th every year, according to the Gregorian calendar, and is considered the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, known as “Vishu Samvatsaram.” The festival is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm, and people from all walks of life participate in the celebrations.

Vishu 2023 Historical Background

According to mythology, Vishu Festival is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, who was slain on this day. This auspicious occasion is enthusiastically celebrated by Malayalis worldwide, with great zeal and vigor.

Vishu Festival 2023 Meaning

The word “Vishu” means “equal,” and the festival is called so because it falls on the day when the day and night are of equal length. This makes it a significant day in the Hindu calendar and a time for new beginnings.

On the day of Vishu, people in Kerala wake up early and visit the temple to offer their prayers. They believe that the blessings of the gods will bring prosperity and happiness to their families in the coming year. After that, they take a bath and get ready for the rest of the celebrations.

Vishu 2023 Celebrations

The highlight of the Vishu festival is the Vishukkani, which is an arrangement of several items, including a golden cucumber, a coconut, a mirror, and some grains, all placed together in a vessel. The idea behind Vishukkani is to ensure that the first thing people see on Vishu day is auspicious and brings good luck.

• The arrangement is kept in front of the deity in the temple, and people go to see it early in the morning before the sun rises.
• The traditional meal, known as “Vishu Sadya,” is an essential part of the Vishu festival. It consists of several dishes, including rice, sambar, avial, and payasam, all served on a banana leaf. The meal is a symbol of unity and harmony and is usually shared with family and friends.
• Apart from the traditional customs, Vishu is also celebrated with cultural events, including folk dance, music, and drama performances.
• In many parts of Kerala, people participate in processions carrying decorated elephants and firecrackers.

Vishu 2023 Significance

Vishu is not just a religious festival; it is also a cultural festival that brings people together. It is a time to forget past differences and come together to celebrate the joy of life. It is a time to be thankful for the blessings of the past year and to welcome the new year with renewed hope and enthusiasm.

• The significance of Vishu goes beyond just the celebrations. It is a time to reflect on the past year, to introspect and to plan for the future.
• It is a time to set new goals and to work towards achieving them. It is a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and to be grateful for all the gifts that life has to offer.

Conclusion

Vishu is a significant festival in Kerala, celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm. The festival is a symbol of unity and harmony and reminds us of the beauty of life and the need to be grateful for all the blessings that come our way.

“VIRAASAT” Sari Festival- Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India

“VIRAASAT” Sari Festival- Celebrating 75 handwoven Saris of India

Sharing is caring!