Athachamayam Procession
The 2025 Athachamayam procession marked the vibrant beginning of Kerala’s 10-day Onam festival. Held in Tripunithura, the former royal town, the event was graced by bright sunshine, enhancing the festive spirit. Thousands gathered to witness a spectacular parade blending tradition, culture, and modern themes. The procession showcased Kerala’s rich heritage with over 59 art forms and social messages, making it a grand cultural spectacle.
Significance
Athachamayam is a centuries-old procession that signals the start of Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival. Originating in Tripunithura, once the seat of the Kochi kingdom, it embodies Kerala’s royal heritage and cultural unity. The event traditionally features mythological characters and folk arts, symbolising the arrival of King Mahabali and the Vamana avatar.
Procession Highlights
The 2025 procession featured over 300 artists and more than 50 groups, including school and college troupes. Costumes ranged from Mahabali and Vamana to tigers, hunters, kings, and political figures. The parade included 59 traditional art forms such as theyyam, kummatti, kathakali, pulikali, margamkali, kolkali, and kalaripayattu. The inclusion of folk arts from different regions emphasised religious and communal harmony.
Artistic and Social Themes
Nineteen thematic floats addressed contemporary issues like drug abuse, blending social awareness with cultural expression. The procession also featured popular cinema character impersonations, including Empuran, Pushpa, Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Kalabhavan Mani. This fusion attracted diverse audiences and brought into light the festival’s evolving nature.
Community Engagement and Inclusivity
A special pavilion was arranged for differently-abled students and their families, ensuring inclusive participation. Government officials and celebrities interacted with attendees, reinforcing the event’s community spirit. The government promoted a green Onam, encouraging minimal plastic use to protect the environment.
Musical and Performance Elements
The procession was accompanied by traditional musical ensembles like pandimelam and panchavadyam. Spectators of all ages enjoyed folk, classical, and popular music, often dancing along. Live kalaripayattu demonstrations with traditional weapons added excitement and showcased Kerala’s martial traditions.
Logistics and Crowd Management
Security was tight with barricades and a strong police presence to manage the large crowds. The procession started at Atham Nagar and covered key city junctions before concluding at Government Boys High School Ground. Despite a late start at 10:45 am, the event lasted four hours and attracted visitors from across Kerala and beyond.
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