12. Vedārambha
Beginning Vedic study
Vedārambha is the formal start of studying the Veda of one's family branch (śākhā), usually soon after Upanayana. In the old gurukula system the student then lived with the teacher for years.
Today it is usually performed on the same day as Upanayana, as a symbolic first lesson. In the wider sense, any serious start to learning scripture — even reading the Gītā with a teacher — keeps its spirit.