Toddlers in Kerala get first experience of writing during Vidyarambham ceremony

October 24, 2012 | National News | Written by

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Oct.24: Hundreds of toddlers in Kerala state got their first experience of writing during a ceremony called “Vidyarambham” or the “beginning of knowledge” on occasion of the Hindu festival Dussehra on Wednesday.

During this ceremony, children write the first alphabet of the Malayalam script on sand or rice with the help of academics and teachers.

The ceremony, observed across different religious groups, was graced by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

Chandy was seen holding the hands of children and helping them write the first alphabet of the Malayalam script on a plate of rice.

Dussehra marks the triumph of good over evil. It is regarded as the day when Hindu Lord Ram defeated Ravana, demon-king of Lanka and rescued his abducted wife, Sita.

As per the tradition, the effigy of the demon king Ravana is vilified and burnt in most parts of the country.

Apart from Ravana, the gigantic effigies of his brother Kumbhakarna and son Meghnath are also burnt every year on the occasion of Dussehra.

Hinduism is the third largest religion in the world with about one billion adherents and attainment of Moksha (salvation) is its ultimate goal. (ANI)