Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 13 (IANS): Thousands of children would be initiated into the world of letters at functions held in temples, churches, and cultural organisations here on the occasion of Vijayadashmi Oct 14.

For years, Hindus have been organising the event to initiate thousands of children into the world of letters on the occasion termed Vidyarambham day. Now, churches and Muslim organisations have also joined the fray.

This event would see eminent litterateur, teachers and politicians holding hands of tiny-tots to help them write Malayalam letters on a plate of rice.

While the Hindu children write 'Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namaha', Christians write 'Sree Yesu Mishihaye Namaha'.

Later, using a gold ring, an elder writes a Malayalam word on the child's tongue.

The maximum crowd is expected at the Thunachan Paramabu near Trissur which is considered as the home of Malayalam litterateur Thunchathu Ezhuthachan.

Jnanpith award winner M.T. Vasudevan Nair would also attend the event.

Among the prominent personalities who would initiate children into the knowledge world are Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, and award-winning poet O.N.V. Kurup.