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Athachamayam, Ernakulam
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Athachamayam, a cultural gala that marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala, is a rare chance to enjoy almost all the folk art forms of God’s Own Country. Athachamayam is conducted every year on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (roughly August/September), at the historical town of Thripunithura near Kochi, Ernakulam district. The festival, which is celebrated to commemorate the legendary victory of the Raja (King) of Kochi, is also an occasion to witness almost all the folk art forms of Kerala. A colourful procession, which is part of this festival, reminds the customary procession of the king along with his entourage to the Thripunithura (Thripoonithura) fort. This was also the occasion for his subjects to greet the king and see him very close. The procession, though without the king, still retains its majestic charm, and is conducted in a spectacular manner. Caparisoned elephants, varieties of folk art forms, floats, and musical ensembles together form part of the procession. Onam, the most popular festival of Keralites can be traced to the primitive harvest festival and also to the myth regarding King Mahabali - the benevolent ruler who brought peace and prosperity to Keralites.
