10. Vidyārambha
Beginning to learn letters
Around the fifth year, the child begins learning letters. After a pūjā to Gaṇeśa and Sarasvatī, the child writes “oṃ” or the first letters of the alphabet in rice or on a slate, guided by an elder or teacher.
It is especially popular in Kerala as Ezhuthiniruthu on Vijayadaśamī, in Telugu-speaking regions as Akṣarābhyāsam, and in many places on Vasant Pañcamī, Sarasvatī's festival. Many families now hold it just before a child starts school.
About age 5 · Vijayadaśamī / Vasant Pañcamī