represents the vernal equinox. "Vishu" in Sanskrit means "equal". Vishu is similar to the New Year festivals observed elsewhere in India such as  Baisakhi  ( Punjab ),  Bihu  ( Assam ),  Naba Barsha  (Bengal),  Bisu Parba  ( Tulu Nadu  region in  Karnataka ), ( Vishuva Sankranti ) in  Orissa   Puthandu