By R. Rakendu
The first day of the ten day festival Onam is ‘Atham’ according to the Hindu calendar. Marking the day with festivities, the Atthachamayam procession took place in the town of Thripunithura, Ernakulam on 26 August, 2025, Tuesday. More than 3000 artists and students participated in the procession. The procession was led by people dressed as the legendary king Mahabali and Vamana, Lord Vishnu’s avatar, two characters associated with Onam. This was followed by the performance of a number of culturally significant artforms. From Thiruvathira, Oppana and Kaikkottikali to Kavadi, the procession was indeed a treat to the eyes of the spectators.
Minister for Local Self Government of Kerala, M. B. Rajesh, Minister of Law of Kerala, P. Rajeev and Actor Jayaram were the guests of honor for the inauguration ceremony of the procession at Tripunithura Govt. Boys High School grounds. While Minister Rajesh inaugurated the ceremony, Minister P Rajeev hoisted the Atthachamayam flag, after which Actor Jayaram took the flag off for the procession.
This is a day when all Malayalis around the world look forward to Tripunithura. The procession, which will start from Boys High School, went around the city and returned to the school by 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. Athachamayam marked the festivities of Onam. For the next ten days, Malayalis will welcome Thiruvonam by arranging Onam flowers in their backyards.
Meanwhile, the state government’s market intervention to prevent price hikes during the Onam season was also active. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Supplyco Onam markets in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.
Athachamayam has its history from the time when Kochi was under the rule of kings. During the royal period, the Kochi kings, dressed in special costumes, carried out a palanquin with a military parade and a rich procession on the day of Atham in the month of Chingam, which was known as Atthachamayam. After the end of the royal rule, it was taken over by the people of Tripunithura. Thus began the popular Atthachamayam.