Children enter world of letters on Vidyarambham; Temples witness huge rush in Kerala

Kochi: Vijayadashami, a day dedicated to the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and learning, holds a special place in Kerala. It is marked by the Vidyarambham ceremony, where young children are initiated into the world of letters, beginning their journey in education. Across the state, temples witnessed an influx of devotees, as thousands of children participated in this sacred ritual.

On this auspicious day, special ceremonies are conducted in temples across Kerala, where parents bring their children to begin their educational journey. At the renowned Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple, the rituals commenced as early as 4 am. Temple authorities informed that more than 20,000 children are expected to write their first letters here, a significant number reflecting the devotion of families to this tradition. For photos click here

A child writing her first letters on a plate filled with rice | Photo: Abhilash

The Vidyarambham ceremony, which symbolises the start of formal education, is an integral part of the Navarathri celebrations in Kerala. The ritual involves an elder guiding the child to trace their first letters on a tray filled with rice or sand, marking the beginning of their educational journey. A golden ring is also used to write divine words on the child's tongue, believed to bless them with wisdom and learning. 

Ceremonies start at Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple | Photo: Abhilash

Chandy Oommen, son of late Kerala CM and Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy, was also seen inducting children into the world of letters at a temple here.

State General Education Minister V Sivankutty also introduced children into the world of letters at his home.

Parents flocked to temples with their tiny tots early morning to take part in the ceremony, as part of which the children are helped to write "HariSree" on platters filled with rice or it is scribbled on a child's tongue with a golden ring.

While many toddlers went through the process silently, curious as to what was going on, several of them were seen crying out in protest.

Temples, especially those dedicated to Saraswathi, the goddess of learning and art witnessed a heavy rush. Some of the most popular temples for these rituals include Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple in Ernakulam, Dakshina Mookambika Temple in North Paravur, and Avanamcode Sree Saraswathi Temple in Nedumbassery. Other key locations include Pattupurakkavu Saraswathi Temple in Pandalam, Sree Saraswathi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, and Mridanga Saileswari Temple in Kannur. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Guruvayur Sree Krishna Swamy Temple also saw a heavy rush of devotees. 

Devotees at temple | Photo: Abhilash

In addition, Pallikunnu Mookambika Temple in Kannur and Thattarambalam Sree Saraswathy Devi Temple in Mavelikara also witnessed large numbers of devotees. Temples big and small across Kerala will hold Vidyarambham ceremonies throughout the day. 

(with inputs from PTI)