Worship of Goddess Saraswati, associated with knowledge, music and the arts, most widely observed on Vasant Panchami.
Details
Online puja · Live video
Online Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambh)
Book Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambh) with a sankalp in your family's name and join the ritual live from wherever you are.
How it works
How online Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambh) is conducted
- 1
The family sets up a Saraswati photo, a plate of rice and a slate at home
- 2
The Pandit guides the puja and mantras live on a video call
- 3
A parent guides the child’s hand while the Pandit recites the blessings
- 4
Grandparents in other cities can join the same call
About Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambh)
Aksharabhyasam, known in the North as Vidyarambh Sanskar, is the ceremony that marks the beginning of a child’s education. The child is seated on a parent’s lap and, guided by the Pandit, writes their first letters, often Om and the first letters of the alphabet, on a slate or in a plate of rice.
What you'll need at home
- A clean, quiet space facing the screen, ideally near your home altar
- A diya (or a small lamp), incense and a few fresh flowers
- A phone, tablet or laptop with a stable internet connection
- Family members' names and gotra ready for the sankalp
When families book it
- Commonly between two and a half and five years of age
- On Vasant Panchami, Vijayadashami or another auspicious day
- On a date and time suggested by the Pandit based on the child’s nakshatra
- Often shortly before the child begins preschool or school
Booking from abroad
Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambh) takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. We'll suggest a muhurat and a start time that works for your family's time zone.
- IndiaScheduled in IST, at the muhurat chosen with your Pandit.
- USAIST is about 9½ to 13½ hours ahead, depending on your time zone and daylight saving.
- UKIST is 4½ hours ahead in summer (BST) and 5½ hours ahead in winter (GMT).
- CanadaIST is about 9½ to 13½ hours ahead across most Canadian time zones.
- AustraliaIST is about 2½ to 5½ hours behind, depending on your state and daylight saving.
- UAEIST is 1½ hours ahead of UAE time.
- SingaporeIST is 2½ hours behind Singapore time.
- NorwayIST is 3½ hours ahead in summer (CEST) and 4½ hours ahead in winter (CET).
- SwedenIST is 3½ hours ahead in summer (CEST) and 4½ hours ahead in winter (CET).
- DenmarkIST is 3½ hours ahead in summer (CEST) and 4½ hours ahead in winter (CET).
- FinlandIST is 2½ hours ahead in summer (EEST) and 3½ hours ahead in winter (EET).
- GermanyIST is 3½ hours ahead in summer (CEST) and 4½ hours ahead in winter (CET).
- NetherlandsIST is 3½ hours ahead in summer (CEST) and 4½ hours ahead in winter (CET).
- FranceIST is 3½ hours ahead in summer (CEST) and 4½ hours ahead in winter (CET).
- SwitzerlandIST is 3½ hours ahead in summer (CEST) and 4½ hours ahead in winter (CET).
- IrelandIST is 4½ hours ahead in summer and 5½ hours ahead in winter (GMT).
- New ZealandIST is 6½ hours behind in the New Zealand winter and 7½ hours behind during daylight saving.
- QatarIST is 2½ hours ahead of Qatar time.
- Saudi ArabiaIST is 2½ hours ahead of Saudi Arabia time.
- KuwaitIST is 2½ hours ahead of Kuwait time.
- BahrainIST is 2½ hours ahead of Bahrain time.
- OmanIST is 1½ hours ahead of Oman time.
- MalaysiaIST is 2½ hours behind Malaysia time.
- Hong KongIST is 2½ hours behind Hong Kong time.
- JapanIST is 3½ hours behind Japan time.
- NepalIST is 15 minutes behind Nepal time.
- MauritiusIST is 1½ hours ahead of Mauritius time.
- South AfricaIST is 3½ hours ahead of South African time.
- KenyaIST is 2½ hours ahead of Kenya time.
- FijiIST is 6½ hours behind Fiji time.
- Trinidad and TobagoIST is 9½ hours ahead of Trinidad and Tobago time.
Online Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambh): FAQs
Can Aksharabhyasam be done online?
Yes. The family sets up a simple altar at home and the Pandit guides the ceremony live on a video call.
How does an online puja work?
You share your name, gotra (if known), the names of family members to include and your intention. At the scheduled time, the Pandit performs the sankalp in your name and conducts the ritual while you join by video call and follow along.
Which pujas can be performed online?
Many pujas, paths and homams can be performed with an online sankalp. Rituals that fundamentally need the family on-site, such as Griha Pravesh, Bhoomi Puja, Vivah or Asthi Visarjan, are offered in person. Each puja page shows the options available.
Can I book from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, UAE or Singapore?
Yes, you can enquire from anywhere. We schedule around your time zone where the muhurat allows, and share the details on WhatsApp.
What do I need at home for an online puja?
A quiet space, a stable internet connection and a simple setup such as a diya, incense and flowers is usually enough. The Pandit will tell you if anything specific is recommended.
Will I receive a recording or prasad?
These can be discussed when you enquire. We only confirm what can actually be arranged for your booking.
Other pujas you can book online
Worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, traditionally offered before new beginnings and at the start of every major ritual.
DetailsA calm, traditional puja families perform to seek blessings when marriage plans feel delayed or uncertain, conducted as per your family’s custom.
DetailsWorship of Goddess Katyayani, a form of Durga traditionally invoked by unmarried women and families praying for a suitable, harmonious marriage.
Details
शुभं भवतु
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Book online Aksharabhyasam (Vidyarambh)
Tell us where you are and your preferred dates. We'll confirm timing, vidhi and pricing on WhatsApp.