Thripunithura Athachamayam Festival of Kerala
Name of Festival : Thripunithura Athachamayam Festival
Major Territory of Celebration
Thripunithura Athachamayam Festival is celebrated in Kerela state of India
Time of celebration (Months)
Thripunithura Athachamayam Festival is at Tripunithura on the asterism, Atham, in the month of Chingam (August/September).
About Festival
Thripunithura Athachamayam is the colourful beginning for the Onam festival of Kerala. This is celebrated at Tripunithura on the asterism, Atham, in the month of Chingam (August/September).which is the first day of Onam. Thripunithura is the small town near to Ernakulam in Kerala. This grand event features a dazzling ceremonial parade of caparisoned elephants some folk art performances like Pulikkali ,Theyyam and Kavadiyattam, classical dances like Kathakali and Mohiniyattom, percussion bands are participate in it.
History of Thripunithura Athachamayam Festival :
Athachamayam celebrations is closely linked with Cochin royal family. In the olden days, Maharaja of the erstwhile state of Cochin, used the custom of travelling to the Thripunithura fort with all his entourage. According another popular belief, Maharaja travelled from Thripunithura to Thrikkakkara Vamana Temple on the Atham day.
Onam which last ten days welcomes ancient asura King Mahabali’s spirit which is believed to visit his kingdom every year with a colourful reception starting on ‘Atham’.
During Atham, Thripunithura put on a festive look and vendors line up the streets selling all kinds of wares including conical mounds made of clay representing Mahabali and Vishnu, called ‘ Trikkakara Appan’. On the Thiruvonam day they decorated with with flowers and placed in the dung-plastered courtyards.
Athachamayam is the only one day in a year when all the people, irrespective of caste and creed were allowed to enter the Kottakkakam (Fort). Kerala’s famous musical ensembles Panchavadyam
,Chendamelam, Pambamelam etc. can also be witnessed.Floral carpets are also made during Athachamayam. Athachamayam is conducted in a spectacular manner in Thripunithura every year.
