Kochi, 21 Oct (H.S.): Thousands of children took their first steps into the world of learning on Vijayadashami on Wednesday, as temples and cultural centres across Kerala hosted Vidyarambham ceremonies, marking the culmination of Navaratri celebrations.

Accompanied by parents and relatives, children gathered from early morning to receive their first lessons in writing under the guidance of scholars, writers and traditional teachers. The ceremonies followed the ceremonial retrieval of books and learning materials placed for worship.

At Thunchanparambu in Tirur, Malappuram, the rituals began around 5 a.m. Eminent literary figures and traditional writing masters introduced children to their first letters at two specially arranged pavilions.

Large crowds also gathered at the Thunchan Memorial at Iranimuttam in Thiruvananthapuram, the Panachikkad Dakshina Mookambika Temple in Kottayam and the Paravur Mookambika Temple.

In the capital, arrangements were made at several prominent places of worship, including the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Poojappura Saraswathi Temple and Attukal Devi Temple. Cultural institutions also organised ceremonies to welcome young learners.

At Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple, popularly known as Dakshina Mookambika, the shrine opened at 3.30 a.m. Vidyarambham began after the morning rituals and the removal of books placed for worship.

Forty teachers are leading the initiation ceremonies, which will continue until 4 p.m. Musical offerings and a range of cultural performances are also being held on the temple premises.

Meanwhile, at the Kollur Mookambika Temple in neighbouring Karnataka, Vidyarambham ceremonies began around 4 a.m., with proceedings centred on the Saraswathi Mandapam and adjoining areas.

Tens of thousands of devotees from different regions, particularly Kerala, arrived at Kollur to introduce children to writing and witness debut performances in various art forms.

The temple’s Navaratri celebrations will conclude with the Vijayotsavam in the evening.

Across the venues, the occasion brought together families, teachers and artists in a shared celebration of knowledge, creativity and the beginning of learning.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman