Kerala church observes Hindu ritual

A Christian church in India's Kerala state broke from tradition Saturday by recognizing a strictly Hindu religious festival, a report said.

The United News of India reported the St. George Orthodox Cathedral of Malankara Orthodox Church in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of the southern state, organized the Vidyarambham ceremony.

The ceremony is a Hindu custom of initiating children into the world of letters, on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dasami, when prayers are offered to Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of leaning.

About 30 children took part. Priests and elders made the children write the words "Daivame Sthuthi," meaning "Praise the Lord," on rice-filled platters.

The ritual was conducted on a podium set up in the cathedral compound, with a glowing portrait of Jesus Christ serving as the backdrop. Two big traditional lamps and a couple of candles were lit, with the Bible kept open beside a golden cross in the middle.

"The ritual has been organized with the full support and blessings of the entire church," said the Parish Vicar, Rev. Geeverghese Erakath.