The festival of Vishu, known as the Malayalam New Year 2024, is a significant and vibrant celebration observed by Malayali communities across Kerala and around the world. Falling on Sunday, April 14, 2024, this joyous occasion, also referred to as Vishu New Year 2024, marks the beginning of the month of Medam in the traditional Malayalam calendar. As one of the most important cultural festivals in Kerala, Vishu 2024 is not only a time for spiritual renewal but also a celebration of abundance, prosperity, and family unity.
Vishu, or the Malayalam New Year, is deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, transcending boundaries to unite people in the shared hope for a prosperous year ahead. The significance of Vishu New Year 2024 lies in its representation of new beginnings, as it coincides with the sun’s transition into the Aries zodiac sign, heralding the start of a new agricultural season. The festival also carries mythological importance, with devotees honoring Lord Vishnu and his incarnation, Lord Krishna, who is believed to have vanquished the demon Narakasura on this auspicious day.
The celebrations of Vishu 2024 begin with the preparation of the Vishu Kani, an arrangement of auspicious items that is viewed as the first sight upon waking. This ritual is believed to bring good luck and prosperity throughout the year. The Vishu Kani is meticulously arranged by the eldest female member of the family and typically includes items such as rice, coconut, seasonal fruits, flowers, and a holy book, all placed in front of an idol of Lord Krishna.
Family plays a central role in the Malayalam New Year 2024 celebrations. Elders bestow blessings and gifts, known as Vishu Kaineetam, upon younger members, symbolizing the transfer of good fortune and wisdom. The day is further marked by the grand Vishu Sadhya, a traditional feast featuring an array of vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf, representing the diverse flavors of life.
In Kerala, the Vishu New Year 2024 is also celebrated with fireworks, known as Vishu Padakkam, and the wearing of new clothes, referred to as Vishukodi. These customs, along with visits to temples and the exchange of gifts, reflect the joyous and communal spirit of Vishu 2024, making it a festival that brings families together in celebration of life’s blessings and the promise of a bright and prosperous year ahead.
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GK Questions and Answers on Malayalam New Year 2024
Question: What is the Malayalam New Year 2024 called?
Answer: Vishu 2024.
Question: On which date does Vishu New Year 2024 fall?
Answer: April 14, 2024.
Question: Which month in the Malayalam calendar does Vishu 2024 mark the beginning of?
Answer: Medam.
Question: Which deity is primarily worshipped during Vishu 2024?
Answer: Lord Vishnu and his incarnation, Krishna.
Question: What is the significance of the Vishu festival?
Answer: Vishu marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year, celebrates fresh beginnings, and is also a harvest festival.
Question: What is “Vishu Kaineetam”?
Answer: It is the tradition of elders giving money or gifts to younger family members for good fortune.
Question: What is the name of the traditional feast prepared during Vishu 2024?
Answer: Sadhya.
Question: What does the term “Vishu Kani” mean?
Answer: It means “that which is seen first on Vishu,” referring to the auspicious items arranged to be viewed first thing in the morning.
Question: What is the Malayalam word for “that which is seen first” in the context of Vishu 2024?
Answer: Kani.
Question: Which item is NOT typically included in a Vishu Kani?
Answer: Meat (Vishu Kani is vegetarian).
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Question: Which flower is traditionally used in the Vishu Kani arrangement?
Answer: Konnapoo flowers.
Question: What is the main purpose of seeing the Vishu Kani first thing in the morning?
Answer: It is believed to bring prosperity and good luck for the year ahead.
Question: What type of calendar is used to determine the date of Vishu?
Answer: The Malayalam calendar, a lunisolar calendar.
Question: In which Indian state is Vishu mainly celebrated?
Answer: Kerala.
Question: What is the name given to Vishu in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: Chittirai Vishu.
Question: Which district of Puducherry celebrates Vishu with a blend of Kerala and Tamil Nadu customs?
Answer: Mahe.
Question: What traditional attire do men typically wear during Vishu celebrations?
Answer: Mundu.
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Question: What is the significance of bursting firecrackers during Vishu 2024?
Answer: It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring joy.
Question: What is the highlight of the Sadhya feast during Vishu?
Answer: It consists of up to 26 vegetarian dishes served on a banana leaf.
Question: What is “Vishupulari” in the context of Vishu 2024?
Answer: The early morning time when family members view the Vishu Kani.
Question: Which significant temples in Kerala attract devotees on Vishu?
Answer: Sabarimala, Guruvayoor, and Padmanabha.
Question: What type of mirror is traditionally used to see the Vishu Kani?
Answer: Valkannadi.
Question: What does the word “Vishu” mean in Sanskrit?
Answer: Equal.
Question: Which zodiac sign begins with Vishu according to the Malayalam calendar?
Answer: Mesha Rashi (Aries).
Question: What is another name for Vishu New Year 2024 in Assam?
Answer: Bihu.
Question: What special garment is purchased during Vishu 2024 celebrations?
Answer: Vishukodi (new clothes).
Question: What mythological event is celebrated on Vishu according to some beliefs?
Answer: The killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna.
Question: What is the primary dish served during the Vishu Sadhya?
Answer: Plain boiled rice.
Question: In which month of the Gregorian calendar does Vishu usually fall?
Answer: April.
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Question: How do Malayalees decorate their homes for Vishu?
Answer: With flower garlands, banana plants, Rangolis, and lights.
Question: What is “Vishu Padakkam”?
Answer: The tradition of bursting firecrackers during Vishu.
Question: What is the purpose of the Sadhya feast during Vishu 2024?
Answer: To bring the family together and celebrate the flavors of life.
Question: What is another name for the Malayalam New Year in Punjab?
Answer: Baisakhi.
Question: Which type of festival is Vishu primarily considered?
Answer: A harvest festival.
Question: What kind of items are included in the Vishu Kani?
Answer: Coconuts, rice, seasonal fruits, gold ornaments, and a holy book.
Question: Which festival in Orissa is equivalent to Vishu?
Answer: Vishua Sankranti.
Question: What symbolizes renewal and spiritual abundance during Vishu?
Answer: Vishu Kani and the fresh start of the New Year.
Question: What does the “Valkannadi” symbolize in the Vishu tradition?
Answer: A special mirror used to reflect auspicious items for prosperity.
Question: How is the Malayalam New Year 2024 celebrated across religious boundaries?
Answer: By bringing families together and celebrating fresh beginnings.
Question: What is the English equivalent of “Medam,” the first month in the Malayalam calendar?
Answer: Aries in the zodiac calendar.
Question: What aspect of Vishu is more prominent than even Diwali in Kerala?
Answer: Fireworks.
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Question: What role does Lord Vishnu play in Vishu celebrations?
Answer: He is worshipped as the god of time, marking the New Year.
Question: What is the main focus of the Vishu celebrations in Mahe?
Answer: Family gatherings and blending Kerala and Tamil Nadu traditions.
Question: Which flower is considered auspicious during Vishu Kani?
Answer: Konnapoo.
Question: What does the sight of Vishu Kani in the morning signify?
Answer: Prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
Question: Which festival marks the beginning of agricultural activities in Kerala?
Answer: Vishu.
Question: What is the first activity performed on the morning of Vishu 2024?
Answer: Viewing the Vishu Kani.
Question: What is the traditional gift given by elders to younger family members during Vishu?
Answer: Money or silver items, known as Vishu Kaineetam.
Question: What is the typical dress code for women during Vishu?
Answer: Sarees.
Question: What is the equivalent of Vishu in Tamil Nadu?
Answer: Puthandu.
Question: How does the Malayalam New Year 2024 reinforce family bonds?
Answer: Through family gatherings, shared meals, and exchanging gifts.
