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Onam Festival: Athachamayam Parade in Kerala
Context:
- The ten-day Onam celebrations commenced with the Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura, Ernakulam, on September 6, 2024.
- The festival will continue until September 17, with the highlight, “Thiruvonam,” on September 15.
Athachamayam Procession Highlights:
- The parade showcased traditional art forms like pulikali, kavadiyattam, and karakattam.
- Caparisoned elephants, elaborate floats, and folk dances were central to the procession.
Traditional Art Forms:
- Various folk art forms such as Theyyam, Thiruvathirakali, Kathakali, and Kummatti were featured.
- Performers dressed as Lord Mahabali led the procession, symbolising the cultural roots of Onam.
History of Athachamayam:
- Athachamayam has multiple origin stories, including celebrating the victory of the King of Kochi or the start of the harvest season.
- The procession begins with hoisting the Atham flag, followed by a ceremonial parade in Thripunithura.
Significance of Each Day Leading to Thiruvonam:
Each of the nine days leading up to Thiruvonam has cultural and religious significance:
- Atham (Day 1): Prayers to Lord Vamana and a small floral carpet (pookkalam).
- Chithira (Day 2): House cleaning for the season.
- Chodhi (Day 3): Shopping and home decor.
- Vishakam (Day 4): Preparations for the Onam feast (sadya).
- Anizham (Day 5): Traditional boat races.
- Thriketta (Day 6): Family visits and gift exchanges.
- Moolam (Day 7): Sadya preparation.
- Pooradam (Day 8): Creation of clay idols of Vamana and Mahabali.
- Uthradam (Day 9): Preparing traditional meals for Thiruvonam.
Cultural and Historical Roots:
- The Athachamayam parade, which resumed in 1961 after being halted for Kerala’s state reorganisation, showcases Kerala’s rich history and traditions.
- The festival honours the legacy of King Mahabali, combining mythological tales with agrarian harvest practices, embodying unity and prosperity for all Keralites.
