Thiruvananthapuram:  On the occasion of Vijayadashmi,, thousands of children, irrespective of caste, creed and religion were initiated into the world of letters at functions held in temples, clubs and social organizations across Kerala on Friday.

This event has been only a Hindu event till a few years back, as it takes place 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-Covid times. Considered as the most auspicious day, when both elderly men and women help kids 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.

Due to Covid-19 guidelines, at most places it was the parents who initiated young children into the world of letters, while in the past it was eminent personalities from various walks of life and leading politicians who used to turn up as 'teachers' for the event.

The norm followed is that while the Hindu children write 'Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namaha', the Christians write 'Sree Yesu Mishihaye Namaha'. And at most places, using a gold ring, the 'teacher' writes a Malayalam word on a child's tongue. Everything gets over in a matter of minutes and the final act is when the parents hand over a token offering to the 'teacher' for their services rendered.

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