People in Kerala ushered in the Malayalam New Year, Vishu, on Saturday with colourful rituals, traditional fervour and gaiety looking forward to a season of prosperity and progress. Vishu, which is also celebrated as a harvest festival, falls on the first day of the Malayalam month of 'Medam'. In Hindu households, the day began with family members waking up in the early hours to see 'vishukkanni', the custom of looking at auspicious articles arranged in brass vessels, symbolising hope and prosperity.