Kerala kids get initiated to letters

Events held in temples, clubs across Kerala

Thousands of children, irrespective of caste, creed and religion were initiated into the world of letters at functions held in temples, clubs and social organisations across Kerala yesterday.

This event has been only a Hindu event till a few years back, as it happens on the occasion of Vijayadashmi, but things have now changed and it has become a secular event, when at times the churches and mosques too used to hold this event.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the protocols associated with it, this event was a low-key affair on Friday as compared to that during the pre-pandemic times.

Considered as the most auspicious day, when both elderly men and women help small children to write their first letter, but for many years now in one of the most literate states in the country it is now celebrated more as an educational event than a religious one.

Vijayadashmi which has been a Hindu celebration has now changed and become a secular function, with churches and mosques holding events in different part of the state.

Big rush

On Friday, right from early morning people observing Covid-19 protocols waited for their turn at the famed Panachikkadu temple dedicated to deity Saraswati situated in Panachikkad of Kottayam district as this temple is popularly known as “Dakshina (Southern) Mookambika”.

As many as 5,000 young children had registered in advance for this event at the temple.