Which Indian state first experiences rainfall from the southwest monsoon?

Kerala is the first Indian state to receive rainfall from the southwest monsoon, typically around early June. This marks the beginning of the monsoon season in India. The monsoon winds originate over the Indian Ocean and bring rainfall first to India's western coast, particularly Kerala. The other states receive monsoon rains later: West Bengal in mid-June, and Rajasthan in late June or early July. Himachal Pradesh, being in northern India, receives the monsoon after it has progressed across much of the country.