Atham 2026 marks the start of Kerala’s Onam celebrations, with Thrippunithura’s Athachamayam bringing traditional art, music and festive spirit to the streets.
Kochi: Kerala is stepping into the Onam season today, August 16, with Atham 2026 marking the beginning of the traditional 10-day celebrations leading up to Thiruvonam on August 26.
The festive spirit is particularly visible in Thrippunithura, where the annual Athachamayam procession is being held today. The procession, known as the ceremonial launch of the Onam season in Kerala, is drawing crowds with traditional art forms, music and colourful cultural performances.
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The official celebrations at Atham Nagar began at 9 am. Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the programme. Actor Jagadish is flagging off the procession.
Around 2,000 artists from different parts of Kerala are taking part in the procession, which features traditional performances including Pulikali, Theyyam, Velakali and Chendamelam. The procession covers a route of around four kilometres, beginning at Atham Nagar and passing in front of the Thrippunithura Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple before concluding at Vadakkekotta.
Traffic restrictions in Thrippunithura
With August 16 being a Sunday and large crowds expected, extensive traffic arrangements have been put in place in Thrippunithura. Traffic restrictions are in force from 8 am to 3 pm today.
What is Atham?
Atham is the first day of the traditional 10-day Onam celebrations. It falls in the Malayalam month of Chingam and marks the beginning of preparations for Thiruvonam.
One of the most recognisable Atham traditions is the pookalam, with families beginning to create floral designs outside their homes. The designs traditionally become larger and more elaborate as the days progress towards Thiruvonam.
Atham is also associated with the arrival of the Onam festive spirit across Kerala, with homes, markets and public spaces taking on a celebratory atmosphere.
Atham and Athachamayam: How they mark the start of Onam
Although the two are closely associated, Atham and Athachamayam refer to different things.
Atham is the first day of the 10-day Onam festival. Athachamayam, meanwhile, is the major cultural procession held in Thrippunithura to mark the beginning of the Onam season.
The Thrippunithura celebration has historical links to the erstwhile Kochi royal family. It was traditionally associated with the Kochi ruler travelling from Hill Palace to meet the people. Since 1961, the Thrippunithura municipality has organised it as a public festival.
When is Thiruvonam 2026?
Thiruvonam falls on August 26, 2026, marking the tenth and most important day of the traditional Onam celebrations.
The days between Atham and Thiruvonam are marked by pookalams, cultural programmes, family gatherings and preparations for the traditional Onasadya.
Onam is traditionally linked to the legend of King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a period of prosperity and equality. According to popular belief, Mahabali returns to Kerala during Onam to visit his people.
With Atham arriving today, Kerala's countdown to Thiruvonam has officially begun, bringing with it flowers, festivities, traditional arts and the unmistakable atmosphere of the state's biggest cultural celebration.
Published: 16 Aug 2026, 10:48 am IST
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