Vidyarambham 2025

What is Vidyarambham ?

Vidyarambham is celebrated on the day of Vijayadashami, when temples in Kerala initiate the process of learning to young children between the ages of 3 and 5, for the first time. This is also observed during “Kanni” Malayalam month. Since education, knowledge, and wisdom form an important aspect of life, it has to be started on an auspicious day. This tradition is also followed across regions of Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Vidyarambham is a day of Victory and is celebrated on the tenth day of Dussehra, a ten-day festival celebrated all over India.

This day is important for gaining education, knowledge, and wisdom, and for the worship of Goddess Saraswati. It is on this day that children would learn to write the first syllable in their mother tongue. Many people write powerful “Mantras”, on the tongue of the children. The Guru or the teacher of the child plays the significant role of initiating their learning. It is called “Muthal Eluthu”, in Tamil. In Orissa, it is called “Khadi Chuan”, and is observed on the day of Ganesha Chaturthi and Vasant Panchami.

The significance of Vidyarambham:

The ritual of Vidyarambham is performed in many temples and often at homes. Vidya in Sanskrit denotes education, and Aarambam denotes starting. It is, therefore, the sacred initiation to the world of education. There is no discrimination pertaining to caste or creed, as all children, along with their families, eagerly take part in this festival.

Education is seen as power, the remarkable force which alters the course of life for every human. One who is truly intelligent can accomplish much, provide a good life for his/her family, and even make a difference to society. Thus, the power of knowledge is immense.

Customs and Traditions involved in Vidyarambham:

On the day of Vidyarambham, the child would be made to wear new clothes. Special Pooja is done for Goddess Saraswati. Paddy would be spread on a plate or clean floor, and the “Guru”, or teacher would make the child write the first letters of their mother tongue with their fingers, during the auspicious time of the day. Many temples would have a chariot procession and Ganapathi Homam on this day.

Generally, a sloka is also written on the child’s tongue with the gold ring of the elders, to invoke the Goddess' blessings. Along with worshiping Goddess Saraswati, Lord Vishnu also takes prominence.

Many children, on this special day, would be given books, pens, musical instruments, and other things.

Benefits of celebrating Vidyarambham:

Vidyarambham acknowledges the importance of education and knowledge in our life. It reminds us that knowledge in any form is a gift or blessing from the divine and should be given due respect. As the saying goes, 'Knowledge is power'. By celebrating Vidyarambham, we receive Goddess Saraswati's blessings to achieve success not only in academic pursuits but also in the arts, like music, dance, painting, etc.