Athachamayam

Date    :   August 31, 2011
Venue :  Thripunithura, Kerala


Athachamayam marks the beginning of Onam, the 10-day State festival of Kerala.

The event is held at the town of Thripunithara and is a celebration in memory of a legendary victory of the Raja of Kochi. In the olden days, it was customary for the king to travel with his entire entourage to the fort at Thripunithara where his subjects would get a chance to greet the king as well as see him at close quarters.

Though now the procession is devoid of a royal presence, it is still a spectacular affair with caparisoned elephants, folk art forms, floats and musical ensembles.