Overview
About the event
elebrated annually on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month of
Chingam (August/September), the event takes place in Thripunithura, near
Kochi, in Ernakulam district. This legendary ceremony commemorates the
victory of the Raja (King) of Kochi, showcasing almost all the folk art
forms of Kerala.
The celebration is highlighted by a magnificent procession representing the King and his entourage. The parade includes caparisoned elephants, vibrant floats, musical ensembles, and a variety of folk art forms, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere. The Athachamayam parade held in Thripunithura has a rich historical significance, as it was once the headquarters of the Maharajas of the Cochin state. Before independence, the Maharaja of Cochin would visit his subjects with his entourage, making the event a symbol of the royal legacy.
In 1949, the event was temporarily halted due to the merging of the Travancore-Cochin kingdoms to form the Thiru-Kochi state. However, it resumed in 1961 when Onam became a mass festival in Kerala. Today, the procession starts from Attam Nagar, near the high school ground, and concludes there.
The celebration is highlighted by a magnificent procession representing the King and his entourage. The parade includes caparisoned elephants, vibrant floats, musical ensembles, and a variety of folk art forms, creating a colorful and lively atmosphere. The Athachamayam parade held in Thripunithura has a rich historical significance, as it was once the headquarters of the Maharajas of the Cochin state. Before independence, the Maharaja of Cochin would visit his subjects with his entourage, making the event a symbol of the royal legacy.
In 1949, the event was temporarily halted due to the merging of the Travancore-Cochin kingdoms to form the Thiru-Kochi state. However, it resumed in 1961 when Onam became a mass festival in Kerala. Today, the procession starts from Attam Nagar, near the high school ground, and concludes there.
