Kerala observed Vijayadashami as the day of 'Vidyarambham' or 'the beginning of learning' with scholars, writers, teachers and literary personalities encouraging the children to learn and write. Children and their parents gathered in large numbers at temples, schools and cultural centres across the state where arrangements had been made for the 'Ezhuthiniruthu' - the initiation ceremony.
Thousands of tiny-tots, aged two to three, initiated into the world of learning and writing.
Vijayadashami, dedicated to goddess Saraswathi, the deity of learning, marks the end of the annual nine-day-long-Navaratri festival.
As per the custom, scholars, writers, teachers, priests and other prominent figures in the society make children, usually aged two to three years, write their first letters of learning on the occasion.
They help the tots write "Hari..Sree.." in platters filled with rice or it is scribbled on a child's tongue with a golden ring.
"Vidyarambham: the start of knowledge, teaching little kids to trace "Om Hari Shri Ganapatheya Namaha" in Sanskrit, Malayalam & English on grains of rice. Spent an hour at Poojappura temple. Wonderful tradition involving babies of all faiths," tweeted author-politician Dr Shashi Tharoor.
Vidyarambham: the start of knowledge: teaching little kids to trace "Om Hari Shri Ganapatheya Namaha" in Sanskrit, Malayalam&English on grains of rice. Spent an hour at Poojappura temple; now going to Vyloppilly Sanskriti Bhavan. Wonderful tradition involving babies of all faiths pic.twitter.com/Sf4DYB7HbU
- Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 19, 2018
"Vijayadashami. Once again the day I hold most sacred as a writer and person. The day when I am able to lead little children into the world of letters. 14 years of being a guru at Vidyarambham," tweeted author Anita Nair.
Vijayadashami. Once again the day I hold most sacred as a writer and person. The day when I am able to lead little children into the world of letters.14 years of being a guru at Vidyarambham. Could anyone ask for more? pic.twitter.com/RTTelxrYlf
- anita nair (@anitanairauthor) October 19, 2018
Another child being initiated in to the world of knowledge:
My neice getting blessing from her Grandpa #vidyarambham (Vidya = knowledge, arambham =beginning)
- Rish (@RishiVJN) October 19, 2018
#Vijayadashami those who aren't aware of this tradition & wish to know more can click the wiki link below. #SpreadLove https://t.co/SvJB1C8itX pic.twitter.com/L0ouPgXcK2
Malayali parents in Chennai -- in Kerala's neighboring state Tamil Nadu -- with their children gathered at Mahalingapuram Sree Ayyappa Temple for 'Vidyarambham' ceremony.
Chennai: Parents with their children gather at Mahalingapuram Sree Ayyappa Temple for 'Vidyarambham' ceremony which is observed on #Vijayadashami. 'Vidyarambham' is a tradition where children are introduced to reading & writing. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/x95JPCOzl5
- ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018
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