Thiruvananthapuram: Vijayadashami is being celebrated across India on Wednesday, October 21, marking the culmination of Navratri and the festival’s traditional message of the victory of good over evil. In Kerala, thousands of children are taking part in Vidyarambham, the ceremonial initiation into learning, at temples and cultural centres across the state.

Large crowds have gathered at the Kollur Mookambika Temple in Karnataka, a major pilgrimage centre for Vidyarambham, the traditional Hindu ceremony in which young children are formally introduced to learning and letters. Devotees have been arriving since early morning with children to introduce them to their first letters in the presence of Goddess Mookambika, regarded as the embodiment of knowledge and learning.

 

In view of the heavy turnout, the main Vidyarambham ceremonies at Kollur have been shifted from the Saraswati Mandapam to the sacred yajna shala, where the Maha Chandika Yagam takes place. Acharyas are leading the ceremonies inside and outside the yajna shala.

Vidyarambham ceremonies are also underway at the Mookambika Temple in North Paravur, where the ritual can traditionally be performed throughout the year. In Thiruvananthapuram, ceremonies began at the Poojappura Saraswathi Temple around 5.30 am.

Similar ceremonies are being held at the Panachikkadu Temple in Kottayam, the Thunchan Smarakam at Thunchan Parambu, and the Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan.
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Vijayadashami celebrations across India

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri celebrations. In several parts of the country, the day is observed through Ravan Dahan, with effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghanada being set alight to symbolise the triumph of good over evil.

The day also marks the conclusion of Durga Puja in several parts of India, with devotees taking part in Durga Visarjan, the ceremonial immersion of Goddess Durga idols.

Ayudha Puja is another important tradition associated with the festival, with people offering prayers to tools, instruments, books and other objects connected with their work and learning. Vijayadashami is also considered an auspicious occasion for beginning new educational and professional pursuits.
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PM Modi invokes Lord Ram in Vijayadashami address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Vijayadashami celebrations in Delhi on Tuesday, said the ideals of Lord Ram remained relevant to India's ideas of truth, justice, service and good governance.

Modi said Lord Ram's life offered lessons in confronting adversity, relying on collective strength and remaining committed to righteousness. He also linked the festival's message to the goals of a developed and self-reliant India.

The Prime Minister highlighted India's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage, saying more than 650 ancient idols had been brought back to the country over the past 12 years. He also referred to the growing international recognition of India's cultural traditions.

Calling Vijayadashami a festival of victory, Modi urged people to renew their commitment to the national interest and invoked the principle of “Nation First” in his address.

Across the country, Vijayadashami is being observed through prayers, cultural programmes, temple rituals and community celebrations, with the festival once again bringing together its religious, cultural and educational traditions.