Vidyarambha is the initiation of a child into the field of education. This ceremony is conducted in conformance to the specifications laid down by the Hindu scriptures. Vidyarambha is usually held when the child attains the age of five. The time from the Hindu months of Jyeshta (May-June) to Margasheersh (November-December) is considered as auspicious. The remaining months are considered inauspicious since
Lord Vishnu is believed to be asleep during this period.
The method of conducting the Vidyarambha Ceremony differs in different parts of India. Lord Ganesh, Goddess Saraswati and the planetary god Brihaspati are the usual deities worshipped during the ceremony. Apart from them, the family deity, Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu) and Goddess Lakshmi are also invoked. A holy fire is lit at the venue. The teacher, usually an elderly person, is invited to introduce the child to education. The teacher faces towards the east, while the child faces to the west. In some parts of India, the child sits on the lap of the teacher. Holding the hand of the child, the teacher writes some phrase on a plate filled with rice. This phrase usually contains a salutation to the deities of knowledge and intelligence. Following the ceremony the teacher is gifted with some presents as a mark of respect. The child is now considered eligible to start the education in a school.
