Saraswati Puja & Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami — South India Tradition
Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham (Aksharabhyasam) on Vijayadashami 2026 — worshipping the goddess of knowledge and a child’s initiation into learning on the most auspicious day.
Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham (Aksharabhyasam) on Vijayadashami 2026 — worshipping the goddess of knowledge and a child’s initiation into learning on the most auspicious day.
In South India, Vijayadashami is the most auspicious day to begin learning. Children are formally initiated into education through Vidyarambham (Aksharabhyasam), and Goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, is worshipped. This HinduTone guide explains Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami 2026 (20 October).
Vijayadashami, 20 October 2026, is widely chosen for Vidyarambham — a child’s first writing of letters — and for starting any new course of study, during the auspicious Aparahna/Vijaya muhurat.
Saraswati Puja on Vijayadashami
Books, musical instruments and tools of learning are placed before Goddess Saraswati during Navratri (often from Maha Navami), worshipped, and taken up again on Vijayadashami — symbolising that knowledge is divine and ever-renewing. The Saraswati Ashtottara and Saraswati stotras are recited.
Vidyarambham / Aksharabhyasam
- The child sits on the lap of an elder or guru
- Holding the child’s finger, the elder writes "Om" or "Hari Shri" / the first letters in rice or on a slate
- The child traces the first letters of the alphabet
- Blessings of Saraswati and Ganesha are sought for a lifetime of learning
It is a deeply emotional milestone, often performed at temples (famously at Saraswati and Sharada shrines) on Vijayadashami.
Starting Anything New
Beyond children, Vijayadashami is chosen by people of all ages to start music, dance, a new skill, a business, or any endeavour — invoking victory (vijaya) from the very first step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Vidyarambham?
A child’s formal initiation into learning — the first writing of letters — performed on Vijayadashami, an auspicious day for beginning education.
Why is Saraswati worshipped on Dussehra?
As the goddess of knowledge; books and instruments are worshipped during Navratri and taken up again on Vijayadashami, the day to begin learning.
When is Vidyarambham in 2026?
On Vijayadashami, 20 October 2026, during the auspicious Aparahna/Vijaya muhurat.
Explore More on HinduTone
- Dussehra / Vijayadashami 2026 — Complete Guide
- Ayudha Puja, Vahana Puja & Shami Puja — Vijayadashami Vidhi
- Dussehra 2026 Date & Vijayadashami Muhurat
- Sharad Navratri to Dussehra 2026 — The 10-Day Journey
