Golden letters, pinkies and a leap into the world of learning: thousands of children enter the world of knowledge on Kerala's Vijayadashami

Acharyas initiate children into the world of learning during a Vidyarambham ceremony at the Thiruvullakkavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Cherpu, Thrissur on Wednesday (October 21, 2026). | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB

With a gold ring bearing the sacred letters ‘Harishree’ on their little tongues, thousands of children took their first steps into the fascinating world of learning on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) on Vijayadashami day, like air at the famous Thiruvullakkavu Sree Dharma Sastham’s excitemmm’mmm Thris-Kerala temple in Cherspu, Kerala. Vidyarambham.

The temple, one of the foremost child initiation centers in central Kerala, witnessed about 8,000 children participating in the ritual on Wednesday. Although the turnout was slightly lower than last year, the rush started early in the morning as parents and relatives from all over Thrissur district and even other parts of the state arrived at the temple to mark the auspicious beginning of their children’s educational journey.

In the temple, the traditional ceremony unfolded in a mixture of devotion, anticipation and tender childhood moments. After writing the Harishree Ganapathaye Namah on the children’s tongues with a golden ring, the acharyas guided their little fingers over the plate of rice to trace their first letters. For some children, it was a moment of quiet wonder; others greeted the unfamiliar ritual with cheerful smiles, quivering lips, or loud cries. Nevertheless, each tiny hand reaching for the rice marked the beginning of a journey into the world of knowledge.

Around 50 acharyas, led by Sreedhara Wariar of Thiruvullakkavu Variam, performed the ceremony. The ritual began at 4 am

A special place

The Thiruvullakkavu temple holds a special place in the Vidyarambham tradition of Kerala. For generations, families have gathered at the temple on Vijayadashami, considering the day particularly auspicious for introducing children to letters and learning.

Elaborate arrangements were made for the smooth running of the ceremony. Token-based entry helped regulate queues, while around 150 police officers were deployed to manage the crowds. Separate counters for offerings were also arranged to facilitate the movement of devotees within the temple premises.

Thiruvullakkavu was one of several temples in Thrissur district that organized Vidyarambham ceremonies, attracting families eager to preserve the age-old tradition.

Published – 21 Oct 2026 20:03 IST