'Athachamayam' ushers in Onam: A look into Kerala’s grand festival

The Athachamayam procession, a grand event held in Tripunithura, marks the start of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala. This vibrant procession, which features elephant parades, folk performances, music, and dance, reminisces the historic royal tradition of Kochi kings travelling to Tripunithura Fort.

History of Onam

Onam is celebrated to commemorate King Mahabali's annual visit to Kerala. It also marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the harvest. This period is a time for community gatherings, cultural expressions, and giving thanks for a successful harvest, showcasing Kerala's vibrant cultural heritage and unity.

Ten days of Onam

The Onam festival spans ten days, starting with Atham and ending with Thiruvonam. The days in between include Chithira, Chothi, Vishakham, Anizham, Thriketa, Moolam, Pooradam, and Uthradam. Each day has its own special customs and activities, culminating in the grand Onasadya on the final day - a festive meal served on banana leaves featuring an array of traditional dishes.

Rituals and traditions

• Pookalam creation: A central tradition of Atham is the creation of the pookalam, a decorative floral design placed in front of homes. Also known as Athapookkalam, this arrangement welcomes King Mahabali’s spirit. Each day, new flowers and patterns are added, reflecting creativity and respect.
• Temple visits and offerings: On Atham, people begin their day with a bath and visit local temples to offer prayers. They enjoy a traditional breakfast of steamed bananas and fried pappadam, a practice maintained throughout the festival.
• Onasadya feast: The festival reaches its peak on Thiruvonam with the Onasadya, an elaborate meal served on banana leaves. This feast includes a variety of traditional dishes and is finished with the sweet dessert, payasam.

Celebration amidst challenges

Despite the festive spirit, recent challenges have impacted the celebrations. The state government has cancelled most Onam-related events due to the recent landslide disaster in Wayanad, which caused major loss and displacement. The essence of Onam is, however, still celebrated with enthusiasm and adherence to traditions across Kerala.