Vaisakhi 2027 in Canada, plus Tamil New Year, Vishu and Sinhala New Year dates

When are Vaisakhi, Tamil New Year, Vishu and Sinhala New Year in 2027?

All four mark the solar new year, when the Sun moves into Mesha (Aries). Drik Panchang calls this moment the Sankranti. In 2027 it happens early on April 14 in Canada and in the afternoon of April 14 in India.

Sources: Drik Panchang (Toronto, Vancouver, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka's 2027 holiday list.

Why is Vishu a day later in Kerala? In Kerala, the Sankranti falls in the afternoon of April 14, so the Vishu kani is seen at dawn on April 15. In Toronto the Sankranti is before sunrise on April 14, so Drik Panchang lists April 14. Some families in Canada follow the Kerala date, so check with your temple.

What do these new year festivals mean?

Vaisakhi

Vaisakhi is an old harvest festival of Punjab, celebrated by Punjabis of every faith. For Sikhs it is also the day Guru Gobind Singh Ji founded the Khalsa in 1699. Sikhs gather at gurdwaras to pray and share a meal, and take part in processions called Nagar Kirtan. April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada.

Puthandu

Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, the first day of the month of Chithirai. Families clean and decorate the home, draw kolam at the doorway, visit the temple and share a festive meal.

Vishu

Vishu is the Malayali New Year. The first sight of the morning, the Vishu kani, is meant to bring good fortune for the year. The kani is set out the night before: rice, fruit, a golden cucumber, betel leaves, golden konna flowers, a mirror, coins, and in many homes gold coins or a gold chain, placed before an image of Lord Krishna. Elders then give children money, called Vishu kaineettam.

Aluth Avurudda (Sinhala and Tamil New Year)

In Sri Lanka, Sinhala and Tamil families mark the new year together, with family visits, sweets and traditional games. Sri Lanka's public holidays in 2027 are April 13 and 14.

Where are the Vaisakhi parades in Canada?

• Surrey, B.C. The Surrey Vaisakhi Parade, started in 1998 by Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, is widely called the largest of its kind in the world. In 2026 it was held on Saturday, April 18, in the Newton area, and organizers reported over 450,000 visitors. Families and businesses serve free food (langar) along the route.
• Toronto. The Ontario Sikhs and Gurdwaras Council organizes the Khalsa Day parade, which ends at Nathan Phillips Square.

The 2027 dates have not been announced as of October 2026. They are expected on April weekends again. Check the organizers' announcements in March 2027.

Tamil, Malayali and Sri Lankan associations across Canada usually hold new year events on a nearby weekend, such as April 10 and 11 or April 17 and 18, 2027.

Is gold part of the April new year?

For Vishu, gold is part of the ritual itself: gold coins or a gold ornament in the kani are a sign of prosperity for the coming year. A small gold coin bought once can be placed in the kani year after year.

For Vaisakhi, Puthandu and Aluth Avurudda, gold is not part of the ritual. It is still a common gift because April is also the start of the spring wedding season, and families often buy jewellery at the new year.

Smart buying tips:

1. Karat: 22K (91.6%, stamped 916) is the norm in Indian and Sri Lankan jewellery. 24K (99.9%) is purer and common in coins.
2. Weight and making charge: ask for both separately and compare stores.
3. Units: Indian families often talk in tola (11.6638 g). Ask for grams so you can compare.

RemitBee Gold, coming in early 2027, plans to offer pure 24K gold from $10, with the option to turn 1 g into a gold coin. The waitlist is at gold.remitbee.com.

What are good Vaisakhi, Vishu and Puthandu gift ideas?

• Vaisakhi: a kara (steel bracelet) for a child, a phulkari dupatta, a gold kada or light earrings, sweets for the gurdwara langar
• Vishu: a small gold coin for the kani, a kasavu saree or mundu, Vishu kaineettam for children
• Puthandu: a silk saree or veshti, a brass lamp, a gold coin with Lakshmi
• Aluth Avurudda: sweets such as kavum and kokis, new clothes, a gold pendant for a family member

Compare prices with the gold price in Punjab, the gold price in Kerala, the gold price in Chennai and the gold price in Sri Lanka. Then check what a piece is worth with our gold value calculator.

Common questions

Sources

• Drik Panchang: Vaisakhi 2027, Toronto
• Drik Panchang: Vaisakhi 2027, Vancouver
• Drik Panchang: Puthandu 2027, Toronto
• Drik Panchang: Vishu Kani 2027, Toronto
• Drik Panchang: Vishu Kani 2027, Thiruvananthapuram
• Central Bank of Sri Lanka: Bank holidays 2027
• Government of Canada: Statement on Vaisakhi, 2023
• Kerala Tourism: Vishu
• Onmanorama: How to set up the traditional Vishu kani
• Global News: Surrey's 2026 Vaisakhi parade
• South Asian Herald: Toronto Khalsa Day parade 2026

Checked against these sources on October 24, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.