Kids initiated into world of letters on Vijayadashami

The children were introduced to the world of knowledge through the traditional custom of inscribing 'Harisree,' on their tongues with golden rings and by making them write 'Harisree' in Malayalam on rice or sand with their right index finger.  

Temple priests, academics, literatures, teachers and politicians participated in the 'Vidyarambham' ceremony in various temples, cultural institutions, newspaper offices and even certain churches as the ritual had of late become a symbol of social harmony.     

Many were also introduced to music, dance and folk arts on this Day.  

Reports from different parts of the state said temples witness heavy rush of devotees since early morning. The main centres where the ceremony was held were Panachikkadu Dakshina Mookambika Temple in Kottayam, Thiruvullakkavu temple in Thrissur, Thunchan Parambu in Malappuram, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple in Ernakulam and Iranimuttom Thunchan Smarakam in Thiruvananthapuram.     

A report said thousands of children, majority of them from Kerala, were initiated into the world of letters at the famed Kollur Mookambika temple in Karnataka.    

A report from Kozhikode said thousands of tiny tots, cutting across religious affinity, were initiated into world of learning on Vijayadasami, considered auspicious for the ceremony, in Malabar region of the state. Scholars and elderly persons led the function in different temples, churches and media houses in the region. Children between two and three years accompanied by their parents started arriving for the ritual from early morning till noon. Large number of children, accompanied by their parents, turned up at Thunchanparambu, the memorial for Thunjath Ramanujan Ezhuthachhan, known as father of the Malayalam language, in Tirur in Malappuram district where Jnanapeetham award winner and ace film personality M T Vasudevan Nair helped the children.      

Writers K P Ramanunni, P K Gopi and Alankode Leelakrishnan also participated in the ceremony held at Krishnasila mandapam and Saraswathi mandapam. Kids from across the state were initiated into world of letters at Kollur Mookambika temple in Karnataka from 03:00 hrs.

At the Vattiyoorkavu Arappura Sree Eswari Amman Saraswati Temple, a unique 'balasaraswati' pooja, honouring young girls, was organised in connection with the Navaratri festival. 

Rajya Sabha member and noted actor Suresh Gopi performed 'paadha pooja' to young girls attired in traditional dresses on the occasion.