As the Malayalam New Year approaches, the Malayali community in Navi Mumbai is preparing to celebrate Vishu on April 14 with joy, tradition, and a deep sense of togetherness. Observed across Kerala and by Malayalis around the world, Vishu marks the beginning of the astronomical year and the arrival of spring, much like Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.

The day begins with the ritual of viewing the Vishu Kani, a carefully arranged display of auspicious items such as rice, coconut, golden cucumber, betel leaves, a mirror, and yellow konna flowers. This arrangement is placed in a vessel and lit with a lamp, and is meant to be the first sight one sees upon waking. It is followed by prayers to Lord Vishnu and his incarnation, Lord Krishna, as the festival symbolizes a new cosmic beginning.

Ajitha Nair, a resident of Kopar Khairane for the past 25 years, says Vishu is a time of warmth, nostalgia, and community. “To uplift the festive atmosphere, I play devotional songs early in the morning. It sets a spiritual tone for the day, and I worship the Vishu Kani first thing,” she says.

“For me, Vishu is also about reconnecting with loved ones. I invite friends and extended family over, and together we enjoy Sadhya, the elaborate vegetarian feast served on banana leaves. Preparing the different dishes, setting the table, and hearing everyone laugh and share stories is what makes Vishu truly special. Even though we are away from Kerala, we try to recreate that sense of home here,” she adds.

For Haridasan Nair and his family in Thane, the preparations begin the night before. “We prepare the Vishu Kani on the eve and worship it first thing in the morning,” he explains. “Since we do not get a holiday here like in Kerala, we cook the Sadhya in the evening and enjoy it as a family. But the best part of the day is going to the temple and meeting members of the community. Everyone is in traditional attire and full of smiles. It feels like a piece of home brought to the city.”

This year marks a different kind of Vishu for Ajay Andrews, his wife, and their year-old child, who recently moved to Navi Mumbai. “I will miss my hometown. Vishu is celebrated with grandeur back there and it is a big day for our family,” he says.

“Nevertheless, we have planned to celebrate it with our society members here. We are looking forward to creating new memories, even if we are far from home,” he adds.