Vidyarambham or Ezhuthiniruthu is a Hindu tradition observed on Vijaya Dashami day in Kerala during the nine-day festival, Durga Navaratri Pooja. "Vidhya" means education and "aarambham" means beginning. That is why Vijayadesami is also known as Vidyarambham. Where Thousands of children in kerala entered the world of learning by scribbling their first letters on Vijayadasami day. It is normally conducted in the morning in front of Saraswathy's idol, where Saraswathy pooja is done.
Vidyarambham / Ezhuthiniruthu for Children
Thousands of kids are learning their first letters on this auspicious occasion and almost all temples in Kerala will be crowded. Since Ohm is considered as the most holy word of Hindu religion, a child enters the formal world of letters through this word. It is believed before starting any good ceremony or deed, we should pray Ganapathi. Otherwise, it may not end well. So, the mantra
"Ohm Harisree Ganapathaye Namah
Avikhnavasthu Saraswathiye Namah"
is used to perform writing. Through this mantra, a kid is writing the names of three deities Hari, Ganapathi and Saraswathy. Initially, the mantra is written on sand or in a tray of rice grains. Then, the master would write the mantra on the child's tongue with gold.Writing on grains or on rice represents the progressive learning ability of the child. Writing on sand indicates the hard work and efficiency of the child. Writing the mantra on tongue represents the blessings of Goddess of learning, Goddess Saraswati. By the mercy and the blessings of Goddess Saraswati Devi provide us the wealth and prosperity, hence the letters or the mantras are written on tongue with gold.
Most well-known Temples for Vidyarambham ceremony for children.
- Mookambika temple - Kollur,Karnataka
- Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple Kottayam
- Thiruvullakkavu temple, Thrissur
- Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, Thrissur
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
- Shri Dakshina Mookambika Temple, Kulangarakonam, Thiruvananthapuram
- Dakshina Mookambika Temple, North Paravur, Ernakulam
- Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Ernakulam
- Ezhukone Mookambika Temple.Kollam.
Now days Vidyarambham conducted for children irrespective of religion across Kerala. Malayala manorama conducting Vidhyarambham in different centers in Kerala and outside Kerala.
Vidyarambham 2023 Date and Time: October 24, 2023, Tuesday
Vidyarambham 2022 Date and Time: October 5, 2022, Wednesday
Vidyarambham 2020 Date and Time: October 26, 2020, Monday
Vidyarambham 2019 Date and Time: October 8, 2019, Tuesday
Vidyarambham 2018 Date and Time: October 19, 2018, Friday
Vidyarambham 2017 Date and Time: September 30, 2017, Sunday
Vidyarambham 2016 Date and Time: October 11, 2016
Vidyarambham 2015 Date and Time: October 23, 2015, Friday
Vidyarambham 2013 Date and Time: October 14th 2013, Monday