Vishu is the first day in the first Malayalam month of Medam (March – April) and is celebrated as the Malayalam New Year. The traditional rituals followed are believed to usher in a year of prosperity.For Malayalees, the day starts with the custom of viewing the Vishukani (auspicious sighting) before dawn. After a ritualistic bath, the elders hand out money to the youngsters. Then comes the eloborate lunch, the highlight of the festival.