Golden letters, little fingers and a leap into the world of learning: thousands of children enter world of knowledge on Vijayadashami in Keralam

With a gold ring tracing the sacred letters of ‘Harishree’ on tiny tongues, thousands of children took their first steps into the fascinating world of learning on Vijayadashami day on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), as the air at the famed Thiruvullakkavu Sree Dharma Sastha temple at Cherpu in Keralam’s Thrissur brimmed with the excitement and emotion of Vidyarambham.

The temple, one of the most prominent centres for the initiation of children into learning in central Kerala, witnessed around 8,000 children participating in the ritual on Wednesday. Though the turnout was slightly lower than last year, the rush began in the early hours itself, with parents and relatives from across Thrissur district and even other parts of the State arriving at the temple to mark the auspicious beginning of their children’s educational journey.

At the temple, the traditional ceremony unfolded in a blend of devotion, anticipation and tender childhood moments. After inscribing Harishree Ganapathaye Namah on children’s tongues with a gold ring, the acharyas guided the little fingers across a 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, trembling lips or loud cries. Yet, 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, conducted the ceremony. The ritual began at 4 a.m.

Special place

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

Elaborate arrangements had been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony. Token-based entry helped regulate the queues, while around 150 police personnel were deployed to manage the crowds. Separate counters were also arranged for offerings, easing the movement of devotees through the temple premises.

Thiruvullakkavu was among several temples across Thrissur district that organised Vidyarambham ceremonies, drawing families eager to preserve the age-old tradition.