The Sampadak Express News Desk
Thousands of children were initiated into learning at the Thiruvullakkavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple in Cherpu, Thrissur, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, as part of the Vidyarambham ceremony observed on Vijayadashami, with about 8,000 participants taking part, according to The Hindu.
The Thiruvullakkavu temple, a major centre for Vidyarambham in central Keralam, drew families from across Thrissur district and other parts of the State. While this year’s turnout was slightly lower than last year, the rush began in the early hours as parents and relatives arrived to mark the traditional start of their children’s education.
The ritual began at 4 a.m., conducted by around 50 acharyas led by Sreedhara Wariar of Thiruvullakkavu Variam. In keeping with custom, acharyas first traced the sacred letters of Harishree on the children’s tongues with a gold ring and then guided their fingers to write their first letters in a plate of rice. The proceedings unfolded in a mix of devotion and anticipation as children reacted to the unfamiliar ritual with quiet focus, smiles or tears.
Temple authorities put in place arrangements to manage the large crowds. A token-based entry system regulated queues, and around 150 police personnel were deployed for crowd management. Separate counters were set up for offerings to ease movement within the premises.
Thiruvullakkavu was among several temples across Thrissur district that organised Vidyarambham ceremonies on Vijayadashami, continuing a long-standing tradition of initiating children into letters on an auspicious day for learning.
