Kids initiated into world of learning in southern Indian state of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: People in the southern Indian state of Kerala on Saturday celebrated Vijayadasami with thousands of tiny tots initiated into the world of letters marking the culmination of the annual Navaratri festival.
Children and their parents gathered in large numbers at temples, schools and cultural centres across the state where arrangements had been made for the 'ezhuthiniruthu' - the initiation ceremony.
Vijayadasami is observed as the day of 'Vidyarambham', the beginning of learning, in the state. As per the custom, scholars, writers, teachers, priests and other prominent figures in the society make children, usually aged two to three years, write their first letters of learning on the occasion. They help the tots write "Hari..Sree.." in platters filled with rice or it is scribbled on a child's tongue with a golden ring. Temples, especially those dedicated to Saraswathy, the deity of learning and art, like Panachikkadu Saraswathy Temple in Kottayam district and Kollur Mookambika temple witnessed heavy rush from early morning itself. Besides this, well known shrines like Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple and Guruvayur Sree Krishna Swamy Temple also saw heavy rush of devotees.
Media houses including television channels and newspapers also made elaborate arrangements to mark the day where prominent cultural and literary personalities initiated children into the world of letters. The auspicious day also saw many people start learning dance and music.
Eminent musicians and dancers led the functions organised in many cultural centres across the state. Legendary Playback singer K J Yesudas imparted first lessons in carnatic music to children at a function here.