The term ‘Vidyarambham’ combines two words that originated from Sanskrit; the word ‘Vidya’ translates to knowledge or learning, while the word 'Arambham' translates to beginning or commencement. Together they form the word ‘Vidyarambham’ that translates to commencement of learning. Vidyarambham is celebrated every year on Vijayadashami, the last day of Navratri. It is the celebration where our tiny tots begin their learning journey by writing their first words and Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, arts, and learning, is the central figure of this occasion. The Vijayadashami day is also considered auspicious to start learning anything, including traditional art forms and martial arts. A sacred occasion where knowledge and wisdom are worshipped, this is a celebration that has deep cultural roots.  

Vidyarambham in Kerala

Vijayadashami will be observed on October 13, 2024, and therefore Vidyarambham will be celebrated on the same day this year. In our culture, knowledge is sacred and divine; it is a path to liberation as well as growth, and on Vidyarambham we seek the blessings of the goddess of wisdom for children to commence their education. In ancient times, India had the Gurukul system, where children lived with their guru (teacher) and completed their education. From the Vedic period, the start of education, or Vidyarambham, was considered sacred and was celebrated.  

Different parts of India celebrate Navratri or Dussehra differently and have many different beliefs associated with it. In north India, the occasion marks the return of Lord Rama, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, while in the south, different states have different celebrations and beliefs. Vidyarambham is predominantly celebrated in the south of India, especially in Kerala; on this day, children who are 2 to 5 are taken to temples, cultural centres, and schools to initiate their education and write their first letters in a bed of rice or sand. Esteemed personalities, writers, and scholars attend the Vidyarambham ceremonies and help the tiny tots who have come to learn their first letters, and like a Guru, they guide the children's hands to write the letters. The spiritual and cultural aspects of this celebration are truly magnificent, and the worship and pursuit of wisdom and knowledge is something that resonates with the whole world.

Traditions and rituals related to Vidyarambham

Like we discussed before, different parts of India celebrate Navratri differently, and in Kerala, it is associated with the worship of the goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. In temples, devotees bring their books, learning tools, musical instruments, and weapons used for martial art training for ‘pooja’.

Vidyarambham/Ezhuthiniruthu

The most significant ritual of Vijayadashami is the Ezhuthiniruthu or Vidyarambham, where little children write their first letters on a bed of sand or rice with the help of an elder. Apart from temples, Thunchan Parambu, the birthplace of Thunchath Ezhuthachan, who is considered the father of the Malayalam language, is a major place that hosts Ezhuthiniruthu in Kerala.

Saraswati puja

Saraswati puja is one of the major rituals that is part of the Navratri celebration in Kerala. The goddess Saraswati is depicted in paintings and sculptures as a serene deity sitting on a white lotus playing the classical instrument veena and holding a book and prayer beads. She’s the goddess of knowledge, music, and the arts, and during the puja, tools and books are placed before the goddess to be blessed.

Classical arts and martial arts

Vidyarambham is considered an auspicious occasion to start learning classical arts such as music, dance, and instruments, as well as martial arts such as kalaripayattu. So, on the day of Vijayadashami, kids start their first classes with the blessings of goddess Saraswati.

Other celebrations

Throughout the 9 days of Navratri, cultural organizations and temples organize several events and ceremonies for the community. These events include traditional dance and musical performances of artists as well as Arangettam (debut performances after training in classical dances and music) of young artists.

End note

Vidyarambham is not just a ritual or culturally significant occasion; it celebrates the start of a journey to acquire knowledge, and that is a truly beautiful notion. Akshharam Malayalam Language Learning School Online wishes you a very happy Vidyarambham and Navratri this year! Every child’s educational journey is special, and Vidyarambham is a ritual that sustains the light to show the eternal value of knowledge and wisdom in this world. Connect with us today to start our Malayalam classes for kids on the auspicious day of Vijayadashami!