Kerala’s Atham Pageantry Marks Onam with Art and Social Messages

Quick Summary

• The ‘Athachamayam’ procession in Thripunithura, Ernakulam, Kerala marked the start of Onam on August 26, 2025. Thousands attended despite the sweltering heat.
• Organised by Thripunithura municipality, it celebrated Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and secular spirit.
• Local Self-Governments Minister M.B. Rajesh inaugurated the event, urging adherence to green protocols throughout onam celebrations.
• Actor Jayaram flagged off the procession from Thripunithura Government Boys School ground; Industries Minister P.Rajeeve hoisted the Atham flag.
• The parade featured artistic displays such as theyyam, chendamelam, pulikali, and tableaus portraying themes from mythology and social issues like a campaign against drug menace.
• Highlights included anti-drug placards carried by children and references to recent events like the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Participants included students from various institutions, ASHA workers, Kudumbashree workers along with municipal chairperson Rema Santhosh and other dignitaries.

Indian opinion Analysis

The Athachamayam procession serves as a vibrant reminder of Kerala’s enduring commitment to cultural preservation and inclusivity through festivals like Onam. By emphasizing secular values alongside customary artforms such as theyyam and chendamelam within public celebrations accessible to all demographics-children to senior officials-it underscores a collective societal engagement with heritage.

Notably important is this year’s focus on sustainability via green protocols announced by Minister M.B. Rajesh alongside salient awareness-building efforts addressing pressing contemporary issues i.e combating drug abuse nationally projected beyond aesthetic scale entertainment elements thereby lending multidimensional importance gestures within civic fabric rooted inclusive social reformational objectives alignment

Link for detailed article: Read more