Atham 2018 will begin on August 15 in Thripunithura. Organised by the Thripunithura Municipality, the Atham procession on the day is the highlight of the 10-day programme which will showcase ethnic and traditional cultural programmes as well as modern day issues in a procession around the town. There will be cultural art forms from Karnataka too. Addressing a press meet, Municipal Chairperson R. Chandrikadevi said that badly damaged roads would be repaired before the celebrations. She said that the municipality would spend about ₹60 lakh for the event this year. Green protocol would be observed during the celebrations, she said. As part of security measures, 500 police personnel will be deployed for the 10-day event. Surveillance cameras will also be installed. Barricades will be erected in the town area for the people to watch Atham procession.
There will be Athapoo competition at Sion Auditorium on Atham day and various cultural events will be held in the evening every day till August 24 at the Layam Koothambalam.
Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac will inaugurate the function at 9 a.m. at the Boys High School Ground. M. Swaraj, MLA, will preside. MPs K.V. Thomas, Jose K. Mani, MLAs Anoop Jacob, John Fernandez and District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla will attend.
