Vidyarambham is an auspicious Hindu ceremony performed before a child begins their formal education. The Vidyarambham ritual is dedicated to the goddess of learning, Saraswati, and is popular in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The ceremony of Vidyarambham derives its name from the Sanskrit terms "vidya," meaning ‘knowledge,’ and "arambham," meaning ‘beginning.’ This year, the special annual Vidyarambham 2023 will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 24. On this day, children are formally introduced to learning music, dance, languages, and other folk arts. As Vidyarambham 2023 nears, here’s all you need to know about the Vidyarambham  2023 date, Vidyarambham Puja rituals, and the significance of the auspicious day. Saraswati Puja in South 2023 Date: Know Vidyarambham Ceremony, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Vidhi and Significance of the Auspicious Festival.

Vidyarambham 2023 Date and Shubh Muhurat

  • Vidyarambham 2023 will be celebrated on Monday, October 23.

  • The Dashami Tithi will begin at 05:14 AM on October 23, 2023, and end at 02:44 AM on Oct 24, 2023

Vidyarambham Rituals

  1. The Vidyarambham ritual is open to children between the ages of 2 and 12 years.

  2. The ceremony is intended to introduce young children to the world of knowledge, letters, and the process of learning.

  3. On the occasion of Vijayadashami, the father or the instructor of the child chants and writes either the Panchaksharam or the Ashtaksharam mantra on whole wheat or grains of rice piled on a banana leaf, placed in front of a puja.

  4. Holding the child’s hand, the father or the instructor traces the words of the mantra using the child’s finger.

  5. The alphabet of the child's native language is then written on the grain.

  6. After the completion of this ceremony, the child is ready for their formal education at school.

  7. An offering of samarpanam and aarti is done for the well-being of the child and family.

Vidyarambham Significance

The Vidyarambham ceremony is considered auspicious for beginning learning in any field. The process of learning and initiation on this day is also closely related to the Ayudha Puja ritual. This is also considered a day when the goddess of learning, Saraswati, and teachers (gurus) must be revered by giving Gurudakshina. Vidyarambham can also be performed at home on an auspicious time (muhurta) following the rituals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2023 09:29 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).