Wednesday 15 / April / 2026
MUSCAT: Malayali expatriates across Oman marked Vishu on Wednesday, ushering in the Malayalam New Year with prayers, traditions and a deep sense of connection to home.
Hundreds of people dressed in traditional attire gathered at temples across Muscat in the early hours of the morning, including the Shiva and Krishna temples, to seek blessings.
Long queues were seen at the Krishna temple in Darsait as families arrived together to observe the auspicious occasion.
“I decided to walk 5km to the Shiva temple today from my home in Ruwi,” said Vinod, an expatriate living in Oman, reflecting the devotion associated with the festival.
For Keralites living abroad, Vishu is more than a celebration—it is a poignant reminder of home. This year, festivities have been more subdued and intimate, with many families observing rituals within apartments and small community groups, amid ongoing regional challenges.
Traditional customs such as Vishukkani—the ceremonial arrangement viewed first thing in the morning—and the exchange of Vishu Kaineettam continue to be upheld, often with loved ones back in Kerala joining virtually.
Extending greetings on the occasion, Droupadi Murmu conveyed her wishes for multiple regional festivals including Vishu, highlighting India’s rich cultural diversity and the role of such occasions in promoting unity, harmony and gratitude towards farmers.
Narendra Modi also greeted citizens, wishing everyone a “wonderful Vishu,” while Pinarayi Vijayan reflected on the state’s deep-rooted agrarian traditions associated with the festival.
Back in Kerala, large numbers of devotees thronged temples such as the Chittoor Sree Krishna Swamy Temple early in the morning. Worshippers patiently queued to catch a glimpse of the deity, praying for prosperity and abundance in the year ahead.
The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his avatar Lord Krishna, with rituals symbolising hope, renewal and prosperity marking the start of the new year.
