Hundreds of children in Keralam stepped into the world of formal learning on the occasion of Vijayadashami on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan participating in ‘Vidyarambham’ ceremony held in Kochi.

Mr. Satheesan introduced around 25 children from different parts of the State to formal learning at the ‘Vidyarambham’ ceremony held at the MLA office in Paravur, Ernakulam.

Holding the hands of the children who arrived at the ceremony, he guided them to write ‘Harishree’ in Malayalam with their index finger on rice-filled platters.  

The day saw several writers, thinkers, politicians, among others, guide children into the realm of letters and learning at temples, cultural institutions, schools, among other places. Several tiny tots were led into the scholarly world at the ‘Dakshina Mookambika’ temple in North Paravur and Ernakulam Siva Temple in Kochi.

 Elaborate arrangements were put in place in these institutions for the ‘ezhuthiniruthu’ (initiation) ceremony as part of Vidyarambham.