Vidhyarambam, the Vijayadasami tradition of writing with gold needles on children's tongues, cancelled in Coimbatore due to fear of contracting COVID-19
Coimbatore: Vidhyarambam, the Vijayadasami tradition of writing with gold needles on children's tongues, was cancelled in Coimbatore due to fear of contracting COVID-19
It is the belief of the general public that it is auspicious to start educating children on Vijayadasami. In this regard, the programme called Vidyarambham or Ezhuthanipaal was held today at the Ayyappa Temple in Sidhapudur, Coimbatore.
A large number of parents brought their children early in the morning and had their children write the words and letters like “aum” and “A” on rice after worshiping at the temple. The parents said that they brought their children and started their education today as it is special to do so today. It is customary during Vidhyarambam to dip a gold needle in honey and write "aum" and "A" on the tongues of children. The event is called asVidyarambham or Ezhuthanipaal.
This year around this particular event of writing on the tongues was cancelled due to fear of contracting COVID-19. Also, people were allowed to enter the temple only by standing in a queue with social distancing. It was mandatory for visitors to don masks and gloves. Devotees who had them on alone were allowed inside the temple.
Parents who came to the temple said that although they were a little disappointed about the cancellation of the traditional Ezhuthanipaal event, they are happy that they were allowed to enter the temple and worship on Vijayadasami day. They also expressed happiness about the other programmes conducted at the temple.