Navarathri, with your children.

What happens on each day?

Pooja Vaippu and Durgashtami

Books are placed for Saraswati Pooja. Pooja Vaippu is the placing of the books; it need not share the calendar date labelled Durgashtami. Follow your family or temple’s instructions for the time.

Mahanavami and Ayudha Pooja

Learning and work are honoured through books, tools and musical instruments. The observance is part of the sequence, not simply a spare day before Vijayadashami.

Vijayadashami and Vidyarambham

Books are taken out again for reading. Vidyarambham, also called Ezhuthiniruthu, marks a child’s introduction to letters with the help of an elder or teacher. Customs vary between families and temples.

Background: Kerala Tourism’s Navarathri guide. Calendar reference: Drik Panchang’s Kochi Malayalam calendar.

Before you travel to a UK event

• Confirm the actual day and arrival time. A poster from a previous year is not a current booking notice.
• Ask whether registration is required. Check the child’s session, any charge and whether there is room for accompanying family members.
• Ask what to bring. Books, instruments and ceremony materials vary. Use the organiser’s list.
• Plan the practical details. Check the full address, public transport or parking, step-free access and buggy arrangements.

For current notices, start with the organiser’s own site. Examples include London Ayyappan Temple and Kent Ayyappa Temple’s booking page. These links are starting points, not confirmation of a 2026 Vidyarambham event.

This is a family planning guide, not a prescription for ritual timings. For the observance you follow, confirm arrangements with your temple or teacher.