Atham pageantry paints temple town in vivid colours heralding Onam festival in Kerala

The Athachamayam procession in Thripunithura, Kerala kicked off the annual Onam harvest festival with vibrant colors and traditional art forms on September 6, 2024. Despite some rain, enthusiastic spectators enjoyed the four-hour procession featuring Pulikkali performances, Theyyam, Kathakali, and Padayani costumes, along with musical ensembles like Chendamelam and Panchavadyam. The decision to proceed with the event, despite landslides in Wayanad, was made to support local artists and contribute to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. It was a day filled with cultural celebration and community spirit for residents and visitors alike.