Famous Thrippunithura Athachamayam in 2010 is on 14th August 2010. Atham naal in Malayalam month Chingam marks the arrival of Onam. Athachamayam is celebrated every year on this day. Athachamayam marks the beginning of Onam festival celebrations in Kerala. Festivities then continues to all parts of Kerala.
The highlight of Thrippunithura Athachamayam is the colorful procession. The Athachamayam procession is a treat to the eye. It includes elephants, floats, tableau and traditional art performance. There will be many elephants decorated with the traditional ‘Nettipattam’. Display of Kerala’s traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam, Karakattam, Ammankudam, Attakavadi, Pulikali, Mayilattam is also part of the Athachamayam procession. The procession is rich with performance of Kerala’s famous musical ensembles like Chendamelam, Panchavadyam, Pambamelam etc. Malayalees celebrates Onam with floral carpets known as Pookkalam. Atham is the first day of laying the floral carpet. This then continues for 10 days till Onam. There is a saying in Kerala – Atham Pathinu Ponnanam – Tenth day from Atham is the Onam day.
The history of Thrippunithura Athachamayam dates back to the days of the King of Kochi, who used to travel to the Thrikkakkara Vamana temple with his entourage. Citizens of the kingdom used to greet him and see him closely at this occasion.The tradition still continues and these days the Athachamayam procession attracts lots of tourists from all parts of Kerala and even foreigners. To watch the procession is a very rich experience.
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