| Starting Literacy. This is a minor ritual done around the three-year period. The father holds the child’s right hand and, to the chanting of priests who asks God’s blessings, he helps the child trace the alphabet on a plate of rice with a golden ring. The child is thus initiated into study. The first letter traced is usually “Om” which is the symbol for God and true knowledge in India. Prayers are offered to Ganesha, who removes obstacles, to Saraswathi, the Goddess of learning, and to the Kula Devatha, the family deity who protects the entire family. Akshara Abhyasam | Item | Quantity | | Turmeric powder | Small Packet | | Kumkum | Small Packet | | Betel leaves | 1 Packet | | Betel nuts | 2 | | Sandal wood powder | Small Packet | | Flowers | 1 Bouquet | | Fruits any variety | Few of each | | Coconuts | 2 | | Agarbhathi | 1 Packet | | Rice | 1 pound | | Quarters | 10 | | Notebook,pencil/ pen/ slate, black/ white chalk piece | 1 | | Tray for Rice | 1 | | Naivedyam | Any Payasam/ Kheer | | For Puja at home, the following in addition to the above | | Pancha Patram and Udharani or Unused Cup and spoon | 1 | | Kalasam | 1 | | Saffron,Cloves,Cardamom and Paccha Karpooram | Small Quantities for Kalasam | | Mango Leaves ( If available) | 1 bunch | | Deepam ( Lamps) | 1 | | Bell | 1 |
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