Akuru Kiyaweema – A Minimalist First Letter Reading ceremony
(Embracing Meaningful Parenting, Unplanned but Sacred)
If you’ve followed our journey, you may remember how we celebrated our elder child’s Akuru Kiyaweema– First Letter Reading Ceremony with full traditional rituals, all the symbolic items, and astrologically selected auspicious timing. It was a meaningful and beautiful event, carefully planned at home. If you’re curious to explore that full traditional experience, you can read the detailed post here
👉 Read the full traditional Akuru Kiyaweema ceremony
But this time, for our younger one, we embraced minimalism.
From intentional simplicity to sacred space
Unlike last time, this Akuru Kiyaweema wasn’t planned around auspicious times or astrological advice. In fact, we didn’t even consult an astrologist. This time, we didn’t want to get stuck in fixed frameworks. What we truly wanted was to honor this beautiful tradition in a way that felt meaningful for our child without pressure, without rush.
While traveling through the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, we came across a serene monastery by Denagama Lake in Muruthamure – Hakmana. It felt just right. We met the head monk the day before, explained our wish, and he warmly gave us permission and his blessings.
Honoring the Tradition – Our Way
With the peaceful morning air surrounding us, we placed simple offerings of fruits and sweetmeats to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswathi, and worshipped Lord Buddha. The venerable monk kindly chanted Pirith, blessing the occasion with calmness and grace.
Then, under the sacred Bodhi Tree, we laid a mat and began our little one’s Akuru Kiyaweema– Minimalist First Letter Reading Ceremony .
Instead of a handmade Valli Pilla – sand tray like last time, our little boy got to scribble freely on the sandy ground under the Bodhi tree in the Bodhi Maluwa of the temple.
It was spontaneous, real, and truly heartfelt something even more pure and grounded.
The Presence Over Perfection
Looking back, it felt more real and raw than our first experience. No pressure, no perfect timing — just a peaceful family moment, surrounded by nature and faith.
In a world that often pushes us to perfect every moment, this experience reminded us of something deeply important in meaningful parenting — it’s not about sticking to a rulebook or perfection. It’s about being present, choosing heartfelt intention over formality, and creating memories that feel real and rooted in love.
With minimal distractions and maximum presence, this Akuru Kiyaweema – minimalist first letter reading felt more spiritual and grounding than we could have imagined. The calmness of the location, the simplicity of the process, and the love we carried into the moment made it truly sacred.
Our children may not remember every detail, but I hope they’ll look back and feel the love and peaceful energy surrounding these milestones.
So, if you’re planning a Akuru Kiyaweema –First Letter Reading Ceremony, and want to explore a more traditional or detailed setup, feel free to check my earlier post. But if your heart is calling for something quieter, simpler, and more aligned with a minimalist lifestyle, know that it can still be just as sacred.
