Athachamayam Festival, Cochin is held before the starting of the Onam festival. This festival takes place in Thripunithura, which is a historical town located near Kochi. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the fabled victory of the Raja of Kochi. During the festival colorful procession comes out. Tourists can see almost all the outstanding art forms of Kerala during the procession of the festival. Floral carpet, which is a trade mark of Onam festival, is also made during Cochin's Athachamayam Festival.
Athachamayam Festival, Cochin is held to mark the beginning of the Onam festival in Kerala. The Athachamayam Festival is held in Kochi's Thripunithura. The festival starts on the Atham day of Chingam (Leo), which is a Malayalam month. This Malayalam month usually falls either in August or September.
History of Athachamayam Festival, Cochin
There are many legends behind the Athachamayam Festival of Cochin. In earlier times, this occasion was utilized by the people to see their king from close quarters. It was a rule among the maharajas of Kochi to travel with the entire group to the fort of Thripunithura.
It is believed by some that on this day the Maharaja of Kochi undertook Athachamayam march from
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Thripunithura to Thikkakara's Vamana temple. The purpose of the march was to display the regal glory and splendor of the king. With the end of the era of monarchs and kings, this festival had died out but was revived during the period of 1960s.
About Athachamayam Festival
The festival of Athachamayam, which is celebrated today, is very colorful. The festival includes procession with decorated elephants, group of musicians, and various art forms. There is a spectacular procession during the festival. The tourists to Kochi can witness the rare bundle of temple and folk arts of Kerala during this festival, which are done by professional artists.
The art forms that are seen during the festival include Panchavadyam, Theyyam, Pambamelam, Chendamelam, Mayilattom, Karakattam, Aattakavadi, Ammankudam and Pulikali.
Reaching Tripunithura
Cochin International Airport is the nearest one to the town of Thripunithura. The airport is located 28 kilometers away from the historical town. The tourists to Kochi can reach the place by trains and the closest railway station is at Thripunithura. Itself.
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