Vidyarambham 2025: Date, Time, Significance and Rituals of Ezhuthiniruthu or Akshara Abhyasam

Vidyarambham 2025, also known as Ezhuthiniruthu or Akshara Abhyasam, is a sacred Hindu tradition observed on Vijayadashami. It is a day dedicated to introducing young children to the world of knowledge, learning, arts, and culture. Especially celebrated in Kerala and Karnataka, this ritual marks the first step in a child’s educational journey and is deeply rooted in spiritual significance.

Every year, Vidyarambham is observed on the tenth day of Navratri (Dashami Tithi), symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance. In 2025, Vidyarambham falls on 2nd October, Thursday, and will be celebrated with devotion in homes and temples across southern India.

Vidyarambham 2025: Date and Time

Here are the important details for Vidyarambham 2025:

• Vidyarambham 2025 Date: Thursday, 2nd October 2025

• Dashami Tithi Begins: 1st October 2025, 07:01 PM

• Dashami Tithi Ends: 2nd October 2025, 07:10 PM

This timing is considered highly auspicious for beginning a child’s education and seeking divine blessings for lifelong wisdom.

What is Vidyarambham?

The word “Vidyarambham” comes from two Sanskrit terms:

• Vidya – meaning “knowledge or learning”

• Arambham – meaning “beginning”

Thus, Vidyarambham literally means the beginning of education. It is observed by introducing children, usually between the ages of 2–5 years, to the world of alphabets, arts, music, and dance.

This initiation ceremony is believed to bring divine blessings from Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of knowledge and wisdom), Lord Ganesha (the remover of obstacles), and Lord Vishnu (the preserver).

Vidyarambham 2025: Significance

Vidyarambham holds immense cultural and spiritual importance:

• Blessings of Goddess Saraswati – Children are introduced to knowledge under the guidance of Goddess Saraswati, ensuring academic success.

• Association with Vijayadashami – Since Vijayadashami symbolizes victory, it is considered the perfect day to begin learning.

• Encouragement of Creativity – Apart from alphabets, children are also introduced to music, dance, folk arts, and classical traditions.

• Expression of Gratitude – Families offer Gurudakshina to teachers and express gratitude for the gift of wisdom.

• Beyond Religion & Caste – The festival is celebrated widely across communities, showcasing the universal importance of education.

In Kerala, Vidyarambham is observed with great devotion at temples like Thunchan Parambu in Tirur, which is associated with Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam literature. In Karnataka, the Kollur Mookambika Temple is a famous venue where thousands of children begin their education.

Vidyarambham 2025: Rituals

The Vidyarambham ceremony is performed with specific rituals that symbolize the sacred journey of learning:

Preparations

• Children are bathed early in the morning and dressed in traditional attire.

• Families worship Lord Vishnu, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Ganesha before beginning the ritual.

The Main Ceremony

1. Ganapati Puja – The ritual begins by worshipping Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings to remove all obstacles.

2. Writing the First Letters – A teacher, priest, or elder guides the child to write the sacred mantra:

   • “Om Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah”

   • Written on a bed of rice grains, sand, or a wooden plank.

   • This symbolizes prosperity, learning, and blessings.

3. Writing on the Tongue – Using a gold ring, the teacher writes the mantra on the child’s tongue, invoking Goddess Saraswati’s blessings.

4. Prayers and Offerings – Families offer prayers and seek divine guidance for the child’s education and growth.

5. Distribution of Stationery – Items like slates, chalk, notebooks, and pencils are distributed among children, signifying the sharing of knowledge.

Concluding the Ceremony

The ritual ends with Aarti and blessings from elders. Families often take their children to temples, where hundreds of Vidyarambham ceremonies are performed together, creating a spiritual and cultural atmosphere.

Vidyarambham and Ayudha Puja Connection

Vidyarambham is closely linked to Ayudha Puja, celebrated on the ninth day of Navratri. On Ayudha Puja, people worship their tools, books, musical instruments, and professional equipment. The next day, on Vijayadashami (Vidyarambham day), those tools are taken back for use, symbolizing a fresh start.

Thus, while Ayudha Puja honors tools of livelihood, Vidyarambham honors the beginning of knowledge.

How Vidyarambham is Celebrated in Kerala and Karnataka

In Kerala

• Temples like Thunchan Parambu, Guruvayur Temple, and Vadakkunnathan Temple attract thousands of devotees.

• Children begin their education in the presence of priests, often by writing on sand or rice.

• Families also conduct the ritual at home under the guidance of elders.

In Karnataka

• The Kollur Mookambika Temple is a major center of Vidyarambham.

• Thousands of families visit to initiate their children into formal learning.

• Devotees believe that beginning education here ensures lifelong wisdom and success.

Modern-Day Importance of Vidyarambham

While the ritual is rooted in tradition, it continues to hold value in the modern era:

• Encourages love for learning at an early stage.

• Strengthens cultural roots by linking education with spiritual practices.

• Promotes arts and literature along with formal education.

• Creates a sense of gratitude towards teachers and mentors.

Even in today’s world of digital learning, families continue to perform Vidyarambham, ensuring that education begins with divine blessings.

FAQs on Vidyarambham 2025

Q1: When is Vidyarambham in 2025?
Vidyarambham in 2025 will be celebrated on 2nd October, Thursday, during Vijayadashami.

Q2: What is the significance of Vidyarambham?
It marks the beginning of a child’s education, seeking blessings from Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Vishnu.

Q3: Where is Vidyarambham celebrated?
It is widely celebrated in Kerala and Karnataka, especially at temples like Thunchan Parambu (Kerala) and Kollur Mookambika Temple (Karnataka).

Q4: What do children write during Vidyarambham?
Children write the mantra “Om Hari Sri Ganapataye Namah” on sand or rice grains, guided by a teacher or priest.

Q5: How is Vidyarambham connected to Ayudha Puja?
While Ayudha Puja honors tools and instruments, Vidyarambham marks the sacred beginning of education on the following day.

Conclusion

Vidyarambham 2025, observed on 2nd October, is not just a religious ritual but a celebration of knowledge, learning, and culture. By initiating children into education on this auspicious day, families seek blessings for wisdom, intelligence, creativity, and lifelong success.

This tradition beautifully blends spirituality with education, making it one of the most meaningful rituals of Vijayadashami in southern India.