Aattachamayam in Kerala

Introduction to the Aattachamayam Festival in Kerala
The people of Kerala celebrate the festival of Onam with the greatest of joy and enthusiasm. Their zeal and gusto is noticeable from the time of the celebration of the Aattachamayam Festival which heralds the beginning of the ten day Onam festival. The small historical town of Thripunithura in the Ernakulam district of Kerala is the centre of the Aattachamayam Festival.

History of the Aattachamayam Festival in Kerala
The Aattachamayam Festival is held to commemorate the victory of the ruler of Kochi. Earlier, the king along with his followers would go to the Thripunithura Fort in a grand procession. He was extended a warm welcome by his subjects. The subjects would also get the privilege of meeting the king and interacting with him at a personal level. Even though the king no longer exists, the splendid procession is carried on to this day on the occasion of the celebration of the Aattachamayam Festival.

Description of the Aattachamayam Festival in Kerala
The colorful pageantry is the most striking feature of the Aattachamayam Festival in Kerala. The sight of this marvelous procession is indeed very enthralling. You are sure to be impressed by the magnificently decorated elephants. The gorgeous ornamental trappings of the elephants will leave you enamored.

The performances of the folk artistes are also very mesmerizing. A variety of folk music will sound very pleasing to your ears. The musical ensemble plays and sings very harmoniously. The folk dances are no less admirable. The festival provides you the splendid opportunity to be a spectator of almost all the folk art forms of Kerala.

The floats are simply fabulous. These elaborate displays mounted on platforms are marvelous to look at. Exquisite sculptures by Canai Kunuram, a local artist, are an added attraction of this fantastic procession. Even though the procession dates back to several centuries it has been more or less unanimously agreed that it has retained its charm and magnificence to this day.

Time for celebrating the Aattachamayam Festival in Kerala
The Aattachamayam Festival is celebrated each year on the Atham asterism in the Malayalam month of Chingam. It roughly coincides with the months of August or September of the Gregorian calendar.