AksharaabhyaAsam or Akshara abhyaasam or Vidyaarambham or Akshara arambham is a traditional religious function in which the child is given initiation of education so that the child is ready to receive formal education. This ritual very common in Hindu families of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Akshara means ‘letters/alphabets’ and Abhyasam means ‘practice’. Together they mean “the study of practical letters”.
Required Materials for the Pooja
| NAME | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Turmeric powder | 1/4 Lb |
| Kumkum | 1 Packet |
| Sandalwoodpaste / Powder | 1 Packet |
| Agarabathi /Incesense sticks | 1 Packet |
| Camphor | 1 Packet |
| Betel Leaves and Nuts | 8 + 8 |
| Flowers | 2 Bunches of colorful roses, 2 packs of any of these (Jasmine/Arali/Lilly/Mullai/Marigolds/Lotus/button roses) |
| Mango Leaves | 1 Bunch |
| Fruits | 12 Bananas and other fruits |
| Coconuts | 2 |
| Rice | 5 Lbs |
| coins ( quarters ) | 15 |
| Naivedyam | Devotees choice |
| Slate and pencil | 1 Set |
| New dress for Baby | 1 |
Other Puja Materials from Home:
- Deepam ( Lamp ), Oil, Match Box, Cotton Wicks
- Kalasam, Panchapatra and Uddharini, Small Trays 2 nos.
- Big Trays 2 nos., Small Cups 5 nos.
- Asirvada New Dresses, Blankets 2 Nos. (For guest Seating)
- Paper Napkins and Paper Plates (sufficient quantities)