Athachamayam is a cultural festival celebrated in Kerala, India, as a prelude to the Onam festival. While the main focus of Athachamayam is on cultural performances, traditional art forms, and processions, food also plays a significant role.
Today marks the beginning of the annual 10-day Harvest celebration in Kerela fondly known as Onam. This festival marks the official start of the Malayalam New Year. The first day, Athachamayam which starts today, 20th August is celebrated in magnificent style. Thripunithura, located not far from Kochi, plays host to a legendary ritual every year on the Atham of the Malayalam month of Chingam (about August/September). The event celebrates the triumph of the Raja (King) of Kochi and the King and his court are depicted in a grand procession. The ‘pathaaka ettuvaangal’ or the ceremony of receiving the flag for the rally hold much significance this day at Thripunithura.
History and Significance
According to the mythology surrounding this celebration, there once was a king named King Mahabali who was incredibly generous to his people. The followers then began to idolise him and were utterly devoted to him. However, because this king was of the demon kind, they attacked him, which infuriated all the gods. He was then granted control over the underworld by Lord Vishnu. Since its inception, the event has been held in Tripunithura, where bright colours are worn and displayed to signify the excitement surrounding the celebration and to arouse additional memories of King Mahabali.
How to celebrate Onam festival?
Onam Festival in Kerala 2023 is a vibrant and joyful festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in the state of Kerala, India. The festivities last for ten days, and each day has its own significance and rituals. Here’s a general guide on how to celebrate Onam:
Pookalam (Floral Rangoli) Decoration: During the ten days leading up to Thiru Onam, people create colorful floral rangoli designs called Pookalam at the entrance of their homes. Each day, the Pookalam becomes more elaborate and larger, signifying the welcoming of King Mahabali.
Onam Sadya (Grand Feast): Thiru Onam is the main day of celebration, and a grand vegetarian feast known as Onam Sadya is an integral part of the festivities. Served on a banana leaf, the Sadya consists of a variety of delicious dishes like rice, sambar, avial, thoran, rasam, payasam, and Onam festival sweets.
Traditional Attire: Wearing traditional attire is a common practice during Onam. Women often wear Kerala sarees like Kasavu sarees, and men don traditional dhoti and shirts.
Vallamkali (Boat Races): Vallamkali or boat races are an exciting part of Onam celebrations. Colorfully adorned boats with rowers singing traditional songs participate in boat races in various water bodies across Kerala.
Pulikali and Kaikottikali: These are traditional folk dances performed during Onam. In Pulikali, performers paint themselves as tigers and dance to the beats of drums, while in Kaikottikali, women form circles and perform a graceful group dance.
Onathappan: At the center of the Pookalam, a small pyramid-like structure made of clay or sand called Onathappan or Thrikkakara Appan is placed to represent King Mahabali.
Onathallu (Sports): Traditional sports and games are organized during Onam, including activities like tug-of-war, kabaddi, and various other village games.
Shopping and Gift-giving: Like any festive season, Onam is also a time for shopping and exchanging gifts with family and friends.
Cultural Programs: Many cultural events and performances take place during the festival, including traditional dances, music shows, and drama performances.
The 10 Days of Onam
These are the ten days of Onam and their significance here:
Atham (20 August 2023)
On the day of Atham, festivities begin at the Vamanamoorthy Thirrikara Temple in Kochi. The grand procession is known as Athachamayam. This day marks the preparations for the visit of Mahabali to the Kingdom. Pookalam made on Atham is known as Athapoo, which is only one layer that gets added on progressively as each day of Onam passes.
Chithira (21 August 2023)
On the second day, Chithira, two more layers of flowers are added to the Pookalam. People clean their houses and visit temples on this day.
Chodhi (22 August 2023)
On the third day, Chodhi, people buy new clothes known as Onakkodi. Women dress up in Kasavu Saree, and men wear Mundu. Young girls wear Pattu Pavada. The families go shopping and buy each other jewels and clothes. The third layer of flowers is added to the Pookalam as well.
Vishakam (23 August 2023)
This day is one of the most auspicious days as Onasadya preparations commence. Women in the family stock up on ingredients from the market. Usually, the markets hold their harvest sale during this period making Kerala markets one of the busiest places. Onsadya is about filling the plantation leaf with dishes until there is no space left.
Anizham (24 August 2023)
The Vallamkali or the snake boat races, flag off the Pamba River, and the Pookalam grows bigger as the day passes.
Thriketta (25 August 2023)
Fresh flowers are added to the Pookalam, and families visit their ancestral homes and spend time with them, exchange gifts, etc.
Moolam (26 August 2023)
Most of the templates start offering Onasadya on this day. Families prepare a shorter version of the Sadya. The Pulikali and Kaikottukali are performed at various places in Kerala. The state starts being colorful and busy with celebrations around this time.
Pooradam (27 August 2023)
The day begins with the ritual of installing clay statues of Mahabali and Vamana commonly known as Onathappam, in the center of the Pookalam. They represent Mahabali, and fixing these statues symbolises an invitation to Mahabali to visit each house. Around this time, the Pookalam starts to become much bigger and more complex.
Uthradam (28 August 2023)
This day is considered Onam when the preparations reach their maximum. The devotees prepare themselves to welcome King Mahabali the next day. The evening of this day is considered the First Onam. It is an auspicious day to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. The traditional beliefs say that Mahabali arrives in Kerala on this day. Hence, the people clean their houses and do their final shopping for Onam.
Thiruvonam (29 August 2023)
It is the day of the auspicious festival when people apply rice flour batter on the entrance of their houses as a traditional welcome sign, shower, and dress up in new clothes. It is the day when King Mahabali visits each home and blesses the families of Kerala. The Pookalam is completed beautifully, and families gather to feast on the Onasadya.
Different Ways of Onam Wishes for Friends and Family
Onam Ashamsakal is the traditional way of wishing Onam among people in Kerala. Sending Onam wishes to friends and family is essential in any traditional event or festival. These different ways of wishing and sharing positive energy with people decides the tone for the day. These gestures also bring closeness among people and make them feel happier. Here are some Onam wishes that you can send to your friends and make their day better,
“This Onam, I wish that the spirit of this auspicious day stays with you in everything that you do. Here’s wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed Onam.”
You can choose to send different wishes that suit your bond with the person! Wishing you all a very Happy Onam!
Conclusion
Onam isn’t just a Keralite festival. It is celebrated across all the states and the world regardless of caste and creed. The celebrations are notable among Malayali communities. Onam is a harmonious, cheerful, and exuberant festival.
