Thripunithura
Rituals, myths and celebrations are an integral part of Kerala’s socio-cultural ethos. In this land of festivals and the many emotions they create, it is only natural that these celebrations are conducted in a grand and pompous manner. Onam is the biggest festival season of a year in Kerala that is spread across 10 days; and marking its beginning is the splendid Athachamayam held in Thripunithura, one of the busiest suburbs of Ernakulam.
Thripunithura served as the capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Kochi. The history of Athachamayam is closely related to this royalty. The grand fiesta is organized in memory of a famed victory of the Maharaja of Kochi. In the older days, the Maharaja used to travel to the Thripunithura Fort with his spectacular entourage. The ritual is followed to this day, though without the Maharaja, and celebrated with great fervor by people from all over Kerala. The highlight of the celebration is a grand procession that goes around the town of Thripunithura. This procession features a number of art forms, music, caparisoned elephants, floats and so on. Atham Nagar is organized in association with this, which is a beautiful carnival venue for people to come together and enjoy various entertainments.
