THRIPPUNITHURA: The streets of Thripunithura welcomed the gala of Athachamayam, marking the arrival of another Onam season. Speaker AN Shamseer inaugurated the function. The ceremony was supposed to start at 9 am but was delayed by an hour and a half due to a sudden downpour.

K Babu MLA presided over the function while Minister P Rajeev hoisted the flag. The Athachamayam festival procession started from Atham Nagar as Hibi Eden MP flagged off the procession. Thousands flocked into the streets to watch the colourful procession on Friday morning. Kochi royal family representative Subhadra Thampuran passed over the Atham flag to be hoisted in Atham Nagar to Municipal Council President Rama Santhosh.

The mast and the flag have been brought to Govt.Boys High School in Atham Nagar.

The popular Attachamaya procession commemorates the king's visit to his subjects with a large entourage on Atham day. The return procession will reach Atham Nagar around 3 pm and the flower display will begin at the Sion Auditorium. The night will bring more festive vibes with cultural events scheduled to take place in Atham Nagar. A local holiday has been granted in the context of the event.