The 10-day Onam festival in Kerala begins with the Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura. The Athachamayam procession, a grand procession in Thripunithura, marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festival of Kerala. On the day of Atham, the festivities begin at the Vamanamurthy Thirrikara temple in Kochi.
When is Athchamayam Festival celebrated?
Athachamayam Festival is held every year on the Atham Nakshatra of the Malayalam month of Chingam (Leo), the event held in the historical town of Tripunithura is a celebration of a great victory of the King of Kochi. In olden days it was customary for the king to visit Tripunithura Fort with his entire entourage. It was also an opportunity for his subjects to greet the king and see him up close. The procession, now without the king, still retains its majestic charm, and is conducted in splendid style.
How is Athchamayam Festival celebrated?
It is held on Atham day, the first day of Onam festival. The event revives the historical tradition of the royal family of Kochi, including a majestic elephant parade, folk performances and traditional music and dance to celebrate the visit of the kings to the Tripunithura Fort. Decorated elephants, various types of folk arts, tableaux, musical groups etc. form part of the procession.
Onam is the most popular festival of the Malayali people and can also be traced back to the primitive harvest festival and the myth related to King Mahabali – the benevolent Asura ruler who brought peace and prosperity to his country.
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