KOCHI: The Athaghosham that evolved from the historic Athachamayam at Thripunithura, marking the official commencement of Onam celebrations across the State, will be held on August 25.
Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac will inaugurate Athaghosham at Government Boys High School, Thripunithura. M. Swaraj, MLA, will preside over the function.
The Atham procession, the highlight of Athaghosham, to be taken out on the day will offer a window to many traditional and folk arts and present tableux on burning issues of the day. Schoolchildren will present various artistic shows too.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to Athaghosham committee chairperson R. Chandrika Devi, who is also the chairperson of the Thripunithura municipality, the festival will have its focus on green initiatives. The organisers have appealed to participants in Athaghosham to avoid use of plastic bottles and covers, disposable glasses and plates, and thermocol products as part of the green protocol observed by the municipality, said the chairperson.
The festivities that are expected to cost around ₹50 lakh will begin on August 24, with a representative of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin handing over the Atham flag to the municipal chairperson at a function to be held at the Hill Palace. It will later be taken to the town in a procession.
The custom is followed to mark the transfer of authority for the conduct of the festivities. In olden days, it was a royal affair, with the king his subjects in the traditional royal wear accompanied by caparisoned elephants, Panchavadhyam, and Melams.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Athaghosha committee will also hold cultural competitions from July 15 (Saturday) onwards. Actor Navodaya Saju will inaugurate the programmes at Layam Koothambalam.
A mini amusement park will be set up at the Boys High School ground. Cultural programmes, including tabla recital, Kurithiyattam, and magic show will be held every evening. Prominent personalities from various fields of activity will be honoured.