Vibrant Onam Celebrations Kick off in Kerala with Athachamayam Festival

The 'Athachamayam' festival in Tripunithura signaled the start of Kerala’s Onam celebrations. The festivities began with a colorful rally featuring elephants, floats, and folk dances. In his inaugural speech, Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer stressed the need for unity and love, referencing recent natural disasters and social issues.

The 'Athachamayam' festival in Tripunithura signaled the commencement of Kerala's much-anticipated Onam celebrations on Friday with a grandiose spectacle of caparisoned elephants, decorated floats, and vibrant folk-dance performances.

Kerala Assembly Speaker A N Shamseer officially inaugurated the festivities, urging the public to stay united and show mutual respect in light of recent natural disasters in Wayanad. Shamseer warned how quickly everything could be lost, citing the landslides in Meppadi panchayat that claimed over 200 lives and destroyed numerous homes.

The Speaker also highlighted increasing deceit in the state, advocating for a focus on love and unity during Onam. The inauguration was followed by a procession from Atham Nagar, attracting thousands of participants, including locals and foreigners.

(With inputs from agencies.)