Aksharabhyasam

Aksharabhyasam is a Hindu ritual that is performed to initiate a child into the world of formal education. It is also known as “Vidyarambham” and it is usually performed between the ages of 2 and 5 years old. The ritual is usually performed by a Hindu priest and is attended by the child’s family and friends.During the Aksharabhyasam ceremony, the child is seated in front of a small table on which a tray with rice grains, a pen or pencil and a book are placed. The child’s hands are smeared with sandalwood paste and the parents or the priest will guide the child to write the first letter of the alphabet or the Lord Ganesha’s name “Om” or “Shri Ganeshaya Namaha” which is considered as the first step towards learning.

The ceremony is followed by a pooja or a prayer ceremony, during which various offerings are made to the gods, such as coconuts, fruits, and sweets. The child is then given blessings by the family and friends, and they may also distribute gifts to the poor.

Aksharabhyasam is considered an important ritual in Hindu culture, as it marks the child’s entry into the world of formal education, and it is believed to bring good luck and blessings for the child’s future. It is also seen as a way of seeking blessings from the gods for the child’s intellectual and spiritual growth.