Marking the beginning of this year's Onam celebration in the state, the athachamayam procession has begun at Ernakulam's Tripunithura. Actor Jayaram flagged off the procession, which has numerous Kerala traditional folk arts lined up to celebrate the state's legacy. More than 300 artists are taking part in the parade that features percussion, folk arts, music, indigenous arts and tableau.

A half marathon team leads the parade followed by the announcement vehicle, Mahabali, Nakara, palanquin, nagaswaram, takil, caparisoned elephants, panchavadyam, Atham banner, municipal councillors, Atham flag, ornamental umbrellas, Anganwadi teachers, ASHA workers, band, 75 colourful umbrellas, students of Government Boys VHSS, Government Girls HSS, Government Sanskrit High School, Government Sanskrit HSS, Government Palace School and St. Joseph’s CGHSS, kalaripayatu by Agastyabharata Kalari Sangham, shingarimelam by women’s band, Nandikesan theyyam, melam, theyyam, Arjuna Nritham, Karakattam, Pamba Melam, Kettukala, Devanritham, Padayani, Pulikali and Shingarimelam. 

An atha pookkalam (floram carpet) competition is being held at the Sion auditorium from morning onwards. Entry is free for the public until 3 pm today to see the colourful pookkalams. The cultural events would be inaugurated at 6.30 pm followed by a musical concert by Raiban Alappuzha. Puppet show by Thalassery B Francis will be held tomorrow at 5 pm followed by kaikottikali by Alingalamma at 5.30 pm. Actor Niyas will lead the mega show Crazy Mission at 7.30 pm. A wide variety of cultural programs have been scheduled every evening at the Layam Koothambalam until September 4. 

Security arrangements
Foolproof security has been arranged in the city ahead of the Athachamayam procession. 450 police personnel have been deployed in the city to ensure the safety of the public. Besides, police in mufti too will be deployed to prevent pickpocketing and atrocities against women. Service of the fire force, including fire engines, ambulances and medical teams, too, will be ensured at various spots across the city. People are prohibited from watching the procession from atop buildings that are almost in a dilapidated state. Besides, the public can’t go near the elephants either. 

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What is athachamayam?
Athachamayam is a centuries-old tradition held in Kerala's Thripunithura near Kochi, marking the beginning of the state's Onam celebration. Its highlight is a procession that showcases the diverse folk arts of Kerala, including theyyam, kadhakali, mohiniyattam, arjunanritham, and more. Caprisoned elephants, musical ensembles and floats are also part of it. 

The legend behind Athachamayam is closely tied to the royal traditions of Kerala. The King of Cochin, decked in all his finery, used to march with his army, nobles, elephants and artists to greet his subjects on the Malayalam day of Atham. The royal Athachamayam tradition was cancelled in 1949 after the province of Kochi merged with Travancore. From 1961 onwards, the government began conducting the Athachamayam procession, making the grand cultural event more popular and open for all.    

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