Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 15 : Thousands of children, irrespective of caste, creed and religion were initiated into the world of letters at functions held in temples, clubs and social organisations across Kerala on Friday. This event has been only a Hindu event till a few years back, as it happens on the occasion of Vijayadashmi, but things have now changed and it has become a secular event, when at times the churches and mosques too used to hold this event. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the protocols associated with it, this event was a low-key affair on Friday as compared to that during the pre-Covid times. Considered as the most auspicious day, when both elderly men and women help small children to write their first letter, but for many years now in one of the most literate states in the country it is now celebrated more as an educational event than a religious one. On Friday, right from early morning people observing Covid protocols waited for their turn at the famed Panachikkadu temple dedicated to goddess Saraswati situated in Panachikkad of Kottayam district as this temple is popularly known as "Dakshina (Southern) Mookambika". As many as 5,000 young children had registered in advance for this event at the temple. Due to Covid-19 guidelines, at most places it was the parents who initiated young children into the world of letters, while in the past it was eminent personalities from various walks of life and leading politicians who used to turn up as 'teachers' for the event. The norm followed is that while the Hindu children write 'Hari Sree Ganapathaye Namaha', the Christians write 'Sree Yesu Mishihaye Namaha'. And at most places, using a gold ring, the 'teacher' writes a Malayalam word on a child's tongue. Everything gets over in a matter of minutes and the final act is when the parents hand over a token offering to the 'teacher' for their services rendered. At the Thunachan Paramabu near Thrissur, which is considered as the home of Malayalam litterateur Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, the organisers had invited seven people to do the job and those who registered for it, were seen waiting for their turn to come. /IANS