Tiny tots scribble their way into the world of letters

Come Vijayadashami, it is time for Vidyaramba for South Indians.

All over the city, Goddess Saraswathi is being worshipped as the Goddess of Learning, and children are being initiated into the world of knowledge and education by their parents.

N Gangadharan, secretary of the Ayappa Seva Sangam, Ramnagar, Borivali (West), said, “It is an auspicious occasion as children today begin their first step towards education.”

Members of the Sangam organised the traditional custom of the Vidyaramba for about 35 children on Wednesday morning.

AKG Nair, president, Borivali Malayali Samajam, dressed in traditional Kerala dress, initiated the tiny tots into the world of letters by making them sit on the lap and then holding their little fingers to help them write in rice by chanting the words into the ears of the children.

It also means beginning of study when little children from the age of three are made to begin their Adyakshara — first letters. In the South, books are wrapped in new cloth and kept for Puja. After the Puja in the morning, the books are removed and the devotees offer prayers to mother of all learnings to bless them with ‘vidya’ which is considered as the most important  wealth.

Parents were excited to see their children getting the traditional ‘ezhuthinirutthal’ in far away Mumbai. AKG Nair said, “People are not fully aware of such customs. We do it so that people can come and see the way it is performed.”

Vaishali Nair, a resident said, “I’m not aware of the customs. I was told by people about the Vidyaramba being done in the temple so I have brought my son so that it is done as per customs.”

Sandhya Menon, another parent said, “Coming to a temple is auspicious and everything is well organised here. The committee is aware of the customs and they can guide us well. Since we can’t go back to Kerala for the rituals, this is the best we can do.’’