When is the Kerala New Year, on Vishu or Chingam 1?

Technically, the new year should be Chingam 1, the first day of the year. Traditionally Medam 1 - which was the day of Vernal Equinox was celebrated as astronomical new year (No longer true, as the vernal equinox is on march 21, which is before Vishu now). read more

Officially (Kerala Goverment mandated), Chingam 1 is the new year day. I would also side with Chingam 1 being the sole new year as it is the first day of the year. With Vishu day no longer coinciding with vernal equinox, there is no justification for Vishu as new year other than mere tradition. read more

Officially (Kerala Government mandated), Chingam 1 is the new year day. Vishu is the New Year of Malayalees – It is the astronomical or zodiac New Year in Kerala and is observed on the first day of the Malayalam month of ‘medam.’ In 2018, the date of Vishu is April 15. read more

Chingam 1 (Chingam Onnu) is the Keralites New Year Day as per the Kerala calender Kollavarsham. 'Chingam' is my favorite month in the Malayalam calender and so is 'August' in the English calender. Keralites celebrate Onam with the biggest pomp and show. read more