In the Vedic tradition, life’s important passages are marked through a ceremony called samskara. It is meant to create an auspicious beginning and a positive impression. One such ceremony, the Vidyarambha Samskara, marks the children’s entrance to a school and the beginning of their formal education, usually around the age of 5.

On the Wednesday preceding the first day of school, our new Kindergarten students gathered in the temple room and, under the auspices of Nityananda Prabhu, participated in the ceremony. We began by chanting the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra, with the students taking turns leading the kirtan. Nityananda Prabhu offered arati to Srila Prabhupada, and then led the group in prayers to invoke the blessings of Adi-Sarasvati, the consort of the Lord and original goddess of learning. Finally, a brahmana (twice-initiated) devotee guided each of the four new kindergartners in writing “ABC” and “Hare Krsna” on small chalkboards. The dust from this writing was used to put tilak on the forehead of each student, and finally all were treated to maha sweets.

We congratulate and welcome the Kindergartners and all of our students and pray that we may please Lord Krsna and His devotees with our studies and all of our endeavors.