The streets of Tripunithura burst into a riot of colours on Atham day, marking the ceremonial start to Onam celebrations. Athaghosham, a procession that celebrates ancient traditions as much as the new, includes a melange of brilliantly costumed men and women, elaborate floats, folk art forms, Kerala’s traditional percussion ensembles and ritualistic art forms.
Men with bodies painted in glistening stripes of yellow, black, orange and silver play the Pulikkali (tiger dance), an integral part of Onam revelry.
While Kathakali and Theyyam costumes add oldschool elegance, tableau faunting amboyant, kitschy costumes give it an air of a carnival. Until 1949, Athachamayam, as the colourful procession was known, was an affair helmed by the Cochin royal family.
