Since ancient times, Indian culture and tradition have emphasized the importance of knowledge and education. From worshipping Goddess Saraswati as the primordial source of wisdom to honoring books on Dussehra as part of Ayudha Puja, traditions that instil reverence and love for learning form an integral part of our heritage. One such tradition is the Aksharabhyasam ceremony, also known as Vidyarambham, a ritual that marks a child’s formal initiation into the world of education. The ceremony is usually performed for children between 2 to 5 years of age, before they begin preschool & kindergarten. Aksharabhyasam is typically conducted on auspicious occasions such as Dussehra, Vasant Panchami, Guru Purnima, and Akshaya Tritiya.
The word ‘Aksharabhyasam’ literally translates to study of the alphabet, highlighting the importance that our culture places on preschool education during the formative years of a child. It is seen as the first step toward formal schooling and a step before you introduce your little one to preschool & Kindergarten. In Hindu culture, Aksharabhyasam marks the beginning of a child’s learning as both an educational and spiritual journey, with prayers to Goddess Saraswati for wisdom, intelligence, and success in life and studies.
According to the famous legend, during ancient times, after a quest, sages settled in the Dandakaranya forest, now Basar, where sage Vyasa made idols of Saraswati, Gouri, and Lakshmi from Godavari sand, consecrated them, and worshipped them, leading to the creation of the Gnana Saraswati Temple in Basar, Telangana. Here, the idol of Saraswati is smeared with turmeric, and the children’s Aksharabhyasam performed at this temple is believed to bring direct blessings of the goddess through the sacred turmeric paste. The ritual is especially significant when done on Vyasa Purnima, the full moon day of Ashadha.
The tradition of Aksharabhyasam or Vidyarambham is deeply rooted and widely practiced across the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka. Usually celebrated on Vijayadashami, during this ceremony, the child is made to write his or her first letter on a plate of grains. This marks the beginning of the learning journey of a child as a student. An ancient Indian custom that is rooted in the local belief that a child should love learning and that an early childhood education program plays a crucial role in a child’s holistic development.
The values embedded in rituals like Aksharabhyasam, a love for learning, respect for knowledge, and holistic development, continue to influence modern preschool & kindergarten education. Modern preschools & kindergartens are now adapting to a child-centric approach wherein the focus is laid on the child’s overall development in terms of skills, cognitive abilities and thinking, beyond academics. This approach mirrors the ancient gurukul education system in India, where learning was not just limited to literacy but also to life skills like archery, wrestling, deciphering ancient texts, and living a disciplined routine that helped them achieve greatness.
Gaining knowledge to attain wisdom was an integral part of societal living. Preschools like Beginners World understand that preschool & kindergarten education is not about becoming literate, it is about becoming a well-developed individuals, capable of achieving success. It is only during the early childhood education program that children can fall in love with learning through play. These play-based learning activities are designed to help them hone skills that shape them into holistic individuals for the future. In essence, the spirit of these age-old literacy rituals lives on, guiding how children are introduced to education in a way that balances tradition with modern developmental needs.
Beginners World Preschool offers a nurturing and stimulating environment where children embark on their first steps into structured learning through thoughtfully designed Playgroup, Nursery, Junior Kindergarten, and Senior Kindergarten programs. With a strong focus on holistic preschool education, the preschool encourages children to explore, discover, and grow while developing a foundation of essential life skills. At Beginners World, play-based learning forms the heart of the preschool & kindergarten curriculum. Imaginative play, collaborative activities, and outdoor games are carefully designed to encourage creativity, cognitive growth, and social skills, making learning both joyful and natural.
One of the core aspects of preschool education is socio-emotional development. Children learn to engage meaningfully with peers, express themselves confidently, and build resilience in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Daily moments of reflection, mindfulness, and relaxation help them develop balance and emotional well-being from an early age. The literacy and numeracy programs provide a solid base for lifelong learning. Storytelling, phonics, and interactive activities enhance reading, writing, and communication skills, while hands-on experiences introduce mathematical concepts in a fun and practical way, fostering logical thinking and problem-solving.
This Aksharabhyasam, make sure you introduce your child to learning while deciding on the best preschool for the future.
