KOCHI: The 10-day Onam festivities got under way at Thripunithura on Friday, with Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran hoisting the flag at the Government Boys’ High School ground, described during the season as Athachamayam ground.
The sky was overcast, but it did not rain, as thousands thronged the streets of the royal township to catch a glimpse of the annual Athachamayam procession organised by the municipality as early as 10 a.m.
Though the festivities this time around are said to be strictly tailored to follow the green protocol, street vendors of festoons and knick-knacks — mostly from other States — had loads of plastic in what they sold.
As always, the procession retained its vibrancy, with artistes dressed in Theyyam, Mayilattom, Kummi, Pulikkali, Kathakali, Thullal and Karakattom attires forming part of it.
The 19 tableaux that were paraded covered a range of themes from traditional to contemporary happenings. Jostling for space with Mahabali, Vamana, Haunaman, Vivekananda, and Parasurama were new-age icons such as Bahubali and Kattappa.
Schoolchildren also took part in the procession in large numbers. So was the participation by staffers of various government departments.
The procession went around the town before returning to the Athachamayam ground. Traffic was regulated in the town for most part of the day.
The occasion commemorates the journey of the erstwhile King of Kochi, with his entourage, from Thripunithura to the Thrikkakara Vamana temple for attending the festival at the temple.
