Thousands of Kerala kids initiated into world of letters
By IANSSunday, October 17, 2010
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Thousands of tiny tots across Kerala were initiated into the world of letters Sunday at temples, institutions and even churches on Vijayadashami day, celebrated as Dussehra in north India.
During the ceremony, known as ‘Vidyarambham’, academics, litterateurs, teachers and politicians hold the children’s hands and help them write Malayalam letters on a plate of rice grains or in sand in some places.
Originally a Hindu event, ‘Vidyarambham’ now takes place in churches as well since the last few years with the priest or invited guests helping the children with their first letters.
As per customs, Hindus write ‘Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namaha’ in praise of Lord Ganesha, while Christians write ‘Sree Yesu Mishihaye’, hailing Jesus Christ. Then using a gold ring, a Malayalam word is written on the child’s tongue.
Despite rains in the morning, the maximum crowd for the ceremony was seen at Thunchan Parambu near Thrissur, the home of Malayalam littrateur Thunchathu Ezhuthachan.
Among the temples that drew huge crowds was the Saraswathi temple at Panachikkadu in Kottayam district that is also known as the Dakshina Mookambika Temple.
A crowd of parents with their little ones in tow braved the rain and waited patiently for their turn to initiate their child into the world of learning at the temple in south Kerala.
