Kerala has begun celebrating Atham, the festival that marks the start of Onam 2025, on Tuesday. The festivities set the stage for Kerala’s most colorful and vibrant annual celebration, combining tradition, culture, and community spirit.
This year, Thiruvonam, the main day of Onam, falls on September 5, the eleventh day after Atham. Traditionally, the saying “Atham Pathinu Ponnonam” refers to Thiruvonam occurring ten days after Atham. The Athachamayam procession, a key highlight, will take place in Tripunithura, featuring traditional music, decorated elephants, and cultural performances.
Across the state, the festive mood is visible in villages and cities alike. Shops and streets are crowded as people buy Onam essentials, with goods arriving from neighbouring states. The month-end wages and bonuses are expected to further boost shopping activity.
Homes, clubs, and public spaces are preparing floral carpets (pookkalams) using flowers sourced mainly from Bengaluru, Madurai, Thovala, and Coimbatore. Folklore suggests that a white Atham day predicts a dark Onam, though recent years have reflected the changing patterns of climate and weather.
Atham marks the beginning of Kerala’s traditional Onam celebrations, combining culture, community, and commerce. The state gears up for ten days of festivities, culminating in Thiruvonam on September 5, 2025.
arun564