Celebrated primarily in Kerala and bordering areas of Tamil Nadu, Vishu finds its origin deeply rooted in mythology and astronomy. The word Vishu is derived from Sanskrit and means ‘equal’. This is a reflection of the spring equinox due to the near-equal length of day and night, which coincides with the celebration of this festival. The meaning of Vishu reflects this balance, symbolizing the equal distribution of light and darkness.

Several mythological tales are associated with the festival. One of the most famous legends narrates when Lord Krishna killed the Demon called Narakasura. Another story celebrates the festival of Vishu as the day that marks the return of Lord Surya. It is believed that the demon king, Ravana, never permitted the sun to rise from the east. It was on the day of Vishu that the Sun, or Lord Surya, started to rise from the east after the death of Ravana. The Malayalam New Year is celebrated on the day after Ravana’s death, and the sun God is rising from the east. Historically, the festival has been celebrated since the rule of the Chera dynasty ruler, Sthanu Ravi, dating back to the 9th century AD.

This kaleidoscope of colours and traditions is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe as per Hindu mythology and his incarnation, Lord Krishna. The celebration of Vishu spans several days, and each day has its unique customs and practices. The festival's highlight is the preparation of the Vishukkani, which translates to the ‘first thing seen on Vishu in the day’. It is an arrangement made up of items such as rice, golden cucumber, coconut, fruits, betel leaves, and flowers of Kani Konna, symbolising prosperity. An integral part of this display is the holy texts, a metal mirror, and coins. It is believed that the eldest female member of the family arranges the Vishukkani one night before, which enables the family members to view it as the first thing in the morning. The day includes community gatherings, Temple visits, and cultural programmes. People also gather to recite Ramayana verses and offer special prayers to seek blessings for the New Year.

Another vital tradition unique to the celebrations of Vishu is the Vishukkaineetam, where elders give money to younger family members as a token of good fortune. As the days progress towards the evenings, bursting crackers play an integral role in the Vishu celebrations, symbolising the win over darkness and evil. Like every other festival, food plays an essential role in binding the celebrations together; a grand feast called the Vishu Sadhya is prepared that plates together a variety of traditional dishes like various curries, pickles, rice, and payasam, effectively reflecting the seasonal produce and delicacies of Kerala. Delicacies such as Thoran ( a vegetable-dish), Vishu Katta and Vishu Kanji ( rice-based sweet dishes) are also enjoyed. On the 10th day after Vishu, oil lamps with ten wicks are lit to symbolise the power and blessings of the sun, and the day is celebrated as Pathamudayam. The day holds great significance and astrological importance while celebrating the Sun’s strength.

Temples across Kerala hold special communal prayers and rituals that foster a sense of unity and encourage shared cultural heritage amongst the community. Since it’s celebrated in the areas bordering Kerala, Karnataka, and Mahe, the core rituals integrate local customs into the celebrations. Vishu coincides with Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, and the celebrations include additional rituals specific to Tamil traditions.

Like every other festival in India, the traditional attire worn by men and women makes up for the Vishu festival's identity. The attire is deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural heritage, symbolising artisanal craftsmanship, religious customs, purity, and elegance. 

Women are usually adorned in the quintessential saree, the Kasavu or Kerala saree. It is an off-white or beige saree with a distinctive gold border, making it an iconic attire for Malayali women. It is typically made from silk or cotton and varies depending on whether the wearer wears it during the day or night. The off-white colour is a symbol of purity and simplicity, while the golden border is a representation of prosperity and elegance. This combination profoundly reflects the essence of the festival of Vishu, which celebrates new beginnings and prosperity. The saree gets its name from the golden border, also called Kasavu. The golden border holds intricate designs like floral patterns, temple borders, and peacock motifs. These designs manifest the architecture and nature that the state of Kerala beholds. White or off-white symbolises simplicity, purity, and new beginnings. It accurately demonstrates the serene and spiritual essence of Vishu. Gold represents wealth, prosperity, and grandeur and adds a royal and festive touch to the attire, manifesting the joyous and celebratory spirit of Vishu. The blouse worn with the Kasavu saree typically has contrasting colours like green, red, and gold and holds intricate embroidery or work, which adds to the overall look.

Another traditional attire synonymous with the women in Kerala is the ‘Mumdam Neriyathum’. The conventional term Mundum Neriyathum is made of Malayalam words: Mundu, which translates to cloth or garment and Neriyathu, which refers to the upper cloth draped over the shoulder. Historically influenced by the Greco-Roman Empire, the Mundum Neriyathum is an ode to the trade relations between Kerala and the ancient Roman Empire. It consists of two pieces, the Mundu and Neriyathu. The Mundu is a lower garment wrapped around the waist and usually extends to the ankles. Like most attire from Kerala, it is relatively plain and decorated with a Kara or minimalistic golden border at the bottom. The Neriyathu is a piece of cloth draped on the upper torso of a woman over the blouse, with one end tucked into the waist and the other traditionally draped over the shoulder. Young girls often wear a Pavada and blouse. The Pavada is a long skirt that is brightly coloured and features golden borders along with traditional motifs that resonate with their age and stature in society. 

The traditional attire for men during Vishu is the  Mundu, which has been the conventional garment men wear in Kerala for centuries. Essentially, a long piece of cloth, usually made from fabrics like cotton or silk, the Mundu is wrapped around one’s waist and extends to the ankles. Traditionally, the upper body was left bare, but in today’s times, people are expected to wear a Kurta or a shirt and a specific cloth for the upper body called Mel Mundu. It is wrapped around the waist, and one end is tucked at the back. The remaining length of the Mundu is brought around the body and tucked in at the front near the belly button or left hanging loose. For certain formal occasions and nighttime festivities, men prefer draping it in the style of a Double Mundu, which is the Mundu folded in half lengthwise. Ideal for Kerala’s warm climate, daytime functions see men wearing cotton Mundus, while for the nighttime festivities, they wear silk, which offers a more luxurious feel.

Synonymous with the colours of culture in Kerala, the most common colour for a Mundu is white or off-white, symbolising purity. The Mundu holds a unique border at the bottom, known as Kara. Although it can be of various colours, the most prevalent during the celebrations of Vishu is gold due to its significance in attracting prosperity and creating a festive atmosphere. The border is also known as Kasavu Mundu since it is embellished with golden threats called Kasavu. Like women’s clothing, the Kasavu for the men’s Mundu is also made of traditional motifs like temple designs, peacocks, and elephants, which are considered auspicious and bring heritage and culture to the festivity. Wearing the Mundu during the festivities of Vishu is a man’s way of honouring and preserving his hometown's cultural heritage and expressing his communal identity. 

Sometimes, men also wear a Vesti. It is similar to a Mundu but more elaborate in its colours and designs. They also carry a piece of cloth draped over their shoulders called the Angavastram, a formal touch to one’s look.