Thousands of children enter world of letters

On the auspicious day of Vijayadasami on Monday, thousands of children in Kerala were initiated into the world of letters and learning at functions organised at various centres.

Cutting across class, caste and religious barriers, tiny tots, accompanied by their parents, turned up for the ritual for which special arrangements had been made by temples, cultural forums and media houses across the State on the day of the conclusion of the Navaratri celebrations.

Prominent cultural personalities, literary figures, elders, teachers and parents ushered the children into the abode of Saraswati, the goddess of art and learning. Clad in traditional ‘pavu mundu’ and sporting sandal paste on their foreheads, children sat on the laps of their masters in front of lighted traditional lamps.

Masters first symbolically wrote auspicious letters on the kids’ tongues with a golden ring, seeking the blessings of Saraswati. Then, they were made to write letters ‘hari….Sree…’with their index finger on a platter filled with rice.

Thunchanparambu in Malappuram district, the hallowed home of Thunachathu Ezhuthachan, was a much sought after destination for ushering children to the world of letters. Because of the heavy rush of children and parents, organisers were forced to start the function early, though the time decided to start it was 5.00 am.

Most Devi temples across the State witnessed a heavy rush for the initiation ceremony. Devotees thronged the Panachikkadu Sarsawathi temple in Kottayam district to seek the blessings of the goddess of learning. Special arrangements were made at the temple known as the Dakshina Mookambika for Vidhyaranbham ceremonies. After performing the Saraswati pooja, the Tanthri performed the Vidhyarambham rituals.

Chottanikkara temple in Ernakulam district witnessed the rush of devotes from the wee hours on Monday.

The Vidyarambham rituals were performed at Saraswati Mandapam. Special poojas were held in the Mandapam as part of Vijayadashami celebrations. Saraswatharishtam, consecrated in the temple, was distributed to children who came there for performing Vidyarambham.

Saraswatharishtam is believed to enhance the memory power of children.

The Mookambika temple in Paravoor also witnessed heavy rush on the occasion of Vijayadashami. Devotees flocked to the Thiruvullakkavu temple at Cherpu near Thrissur from early morning. Long queues could bee seen till late afternoon for performing the rituals. Sixty acharyas performed the rituals.

At the Kunchan Nambiar memorial near Lakkidi, Palakkad, 462 children were initiated into the world of letters. About 800 children wrote Hari Sree… at the ceremonies organised at the Thunchan Mutt in Chittoor.

Other major and minor temples in the State also held Vidhyrambham ceremonies. At several places Christian churches also arranged the Vidyarambham, thus continuing the tradition started in the last year.

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