Heralding celebrations associated with Onam festival in Kerala, the Aththachamayam procession was held at Thripunithura near Kochi this morning. The event marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festivities in the State. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event. He said the message of secularism, brotherhood and peace projected by Onam should be spread across the country.

Akashvani correspondent report:
After rains, natural disasters and the pandemic played spoilsport over the past few years, the streets of Tripunithura town became alive today with a riot of colours and sounds, as people gathered in large numbers to witness the famous Athachamayam procession. The event featured the display of various art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, Mayilattam, Pulikkali and  Kavadiyattam among others. The event is a throwback of the processions undertaken by the rulers of Kochi, when they proceeded with all regal splendour to take part in the  Onam festival at Thrikkakara temple. The procession is a testimony to Kerala's cultural diversity and communal harmony, which fostered a sense of togetherness among people, while reigniting the spirit of celebration, unity and tradition. Raj Mohan, Akashavani News, Kochi.