Athachamayam – Marking the Beginning of Onam
Onam is Kerala’s own festival. Malayalis all over the world celebrate it-Hindus, Christians and Muslims. Atham marks the beginning of the 10-day Onam festival. During the Atham procession, the erstwhile kings would be seen in all their grandour. It was one of the few times, the people could see their king, while he proceeded to Thripunithura Fort.
Today, the Athachamyam took place at Thripunithura, a suburb of Cochin. Today, the the festival has been officially started. The next 10 days will see various parts of Kerala decked up in flower garlands, flower carpets a.k.a ‘Athapoo’, a floral decoration on the floor.
During the procession you can see caparisoned elephants, tableau on various themes, floats depicting Kerala’s dances and art forms and also hordes of people in the streets.
