What is 'Vidyarambham', Traditional Hindu Festival to Introduce Kids to Realm of Education?

Kochi: Vidyarambham is a traditional Hindu ceremony, predominantly celebrated in the southern Indian states of Kerala , Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Telangana. This ritual signifies the formal introduction of young children to the world of learning and education.

 The festival of Vidyarambam is observed on Vijayadashami, the tenth day of the Navaratri festival, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

During the Vidyarambham ceremony, children, typically between the ages of 2 to 5, are introduced to the alphabet and guided in writing their first letters. Scholars, teachers, writers, priests, and respected members of society usually preside over the ritual. The ceremony often begins with the chanting of the mantra "Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namaha," seeking the blessings of Lord Ganapathi for a successful educational journey.

This beautiful and significant tradition is really heartworming and highlights the importance of knowledge and learning in one's life.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor participated in the Vidyarambham ceremony on Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram, where he helped initiate children into the world of education.

Speaking about the occasion, he said, "Vidyarambham is a very special occasion in Kerala . At the end of Navratri Puja, it’s dedicated more to Goddess Saraswati. In Bengal, it’s focused on Goddess Durga, and Goddess Lakshmi also plays a role. For me, this begins early with parents bringing their children to my home. Every year, I initiate around 40-45 kids into letters at Saraswati Mandapam."