Onam celebrations begin in Kerala with Athapookkalam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Today is Atham, marking the arrival of Onam, the national festival of Malayalees. From today until Thiruvonam, the state enters into a festive period filled with flower carpets, traditional celebrations, and poovili (festive calls welcoming Onam). Each place has its own unique way of creating Athapookkalam, the traditional floral carpet made for Onam. In some places, the floral designs are arranged on special platforms known as Athathattu. Over the coming days, 10-day flower-carpet competitions and various Onam celebrations will become vibrant.

Usually, people say that Thiruvonam falls on the tenth day after Atham. However, this year, Thiruvonam falls on the eleventh day. Atham falls on Karkidakam 31 this year. The first day of Chingam is Chithira, while Chothi occurs on both the second and third days of Chingam, resulting in the unusual calendar arrangement.

Preparations are also underway in Thrippunithura for the famous Athachamayam procession. Chief Minister V D Satheesan is scheduled to inaugurate the procession. Around 2,000 artists are expected to participate in the grand procession.