At the department of pharmacology of SEI «ATSMU» 09.04.25 year, an open lesson was held on the topic of “Vishu: Kerala’s traditional New Year” with the participation of the head of the department – Urunova M.V., educational assistant – Muzafarova M.H., assistant of the department – Kasymova P.V. and other teachers of the department and students of the 11^th group of the 2nd year of bachelors (teacher –Kasymova P.V). Presentation was prepared by: Aysha Al Shifa.

    Vishu falls either on the same day or near April 14/15 as other new years in parts of India where the sun's path is followed, such as in states like Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bengal, Northeast India, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Jammu. Additionally, the Songkran festival of South East Asia also falls on the Vishu date, with the significance of the Kanikonna as part of Laos new year same like of Vishu celebrations in Kerala.The Sinhalese New Year in Sri Lanka also coincides with the Vishu date, sharing similar traditions such as the Vishu Kani, flower blossoms, traditional foods, and fireworks                                                                      

The festival is marked by family time, preparing colourful auspicious items and viewing these as the first thing on the Vishu day (Vishukkani). In particular, Malayalis seek to view the golden blossoms of the Indian laburnum (Kani Konna), money or silver items, cloth (pattu), mirror, rice, coconut, cucumber, fruits and other harvest products. Days before Vishu, people start bursting fireworks at their houses and it concludes with lot of fireworks on day of Vishu. People wear new clothes (Kodi) and they eat a feast called Sadhya. In Kaineettam, elders give a small amount of pocket money to children.

Vishu, from Sanskrit Viṣuvam, literally means 'equal', and it connoted to the celebration of spring equinox in the past. The spring equinox however occurs 24 days before the day of Vishu, on 21 March/Meenam 7, due to precession of equinoxes.

Religious significance

Vishu marks the first day of the astronomical year, a celebration of new beginnings and prosperity. A key tradition during Vishu is the vishukani, a carefully arranged collection of auspicious items such as fruits, flowers, coins, and gold.

          Department of pharmacology