Thousands initiated into world of letters in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 21 (UNI) Thousands of children were initiated into the world of letters at temples and cultural and educational institutions in Kerala on the occasion of Vijayadashmi today marking the culmination of the Navaratri Festival.

There was heavy rush at small and big temples across the state.

Clad in dhoti, children in the age group of three to five sat before bell-metal lamp -'nilavilakku'- where elders made them write auspicious letters ''hari...sree...'' with their fingers in rice-filled platters.

Newspaper organizations, cultural outfits and residents associations also organised 'Vidhyarambham.' There was a huge crowd at Thunchan Parambu in Malappuram Distrct, where tiny tots cutting across class, caste and religious barriers turned up to participate in the ceremony.

At the Saraswati Temple, North Paravur, popularly known as the Dakshina Mookambika, the 'Vidyarambham' was held at the temple premises.

The children were initiated through the traditional custom of inscribing 'Harisree,' on their tongues with a golden ring and by making them write the letters in rice.

A large number of children attended the ceremony at the Thunchan Smarakam at Airanimuttom near here.

UNI