Athachamayam, a cultural gala conducted annually on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (August/September) at Thripunithura near Kochi.
Onam, the national festival of Kerala marks its beginning with Athachamayam celebration in Tripunithura. It starts from the first of Chingam and ends in ten days. Chingam, the month of celebrations in Kerala is also the beginning of Malayalam calendar year. The festival starts with Athachamayam falls during the English month between August and September.
Origin of Athachamayam Festival
The History of Athachamayam festival dates back to the regime of the Raja of Cochin in memory of his glorious victory. He started to celebrate with a procession from Tripunithura to Thrikkakara Vamanaswamy Temple on Athachamayam day. In every year, the people of Tripunithura celebrate the festival to memorise the victory even though the Kingship had ended.
Main Tourist attractions
The Athachamayam festival is marked by its magnificient procession that includes diverse cultural art forms of Kerala like Theyyam, Kathakali, Bharathanaatyam, Kaavadi, Mohiniyaattam . The parade is vivid with traditional displays like Pamba Melam, Pulikali, Karakaattam, with band sets and ornamented elephants.
Major Tourist Attractions
Tripunithura, a small town situated near to the city of Cochin, is famous for tourist attractions.
The Poornathrayeesa Temple, devoted to Lord Santhanagopala – an avatar of Sri Krishna is one the main attractions in the region.
Kali Kotta Palace : situated close to the temple it was served as an auditorium to the Kings of Cochin for their amusement.
The Hill Palace Museum: The museum situates in Tripunithura – Chottanikkara road, is famous for its archaeological significance. It displays the ancient properties like coins, murals and monuments of the Royal family of Kochi.
Route to Thripunithura
Unlike other tourist centres one can reach Tripunithura without much effort.
By Road
Thripunithura situates 12 K.M. away from Cochin in south – east direction. Apart from this Tripunithura is closely connected with many other main towns in Kerala .
By Train
Tourist can access by train as the Ernakulam – Trivandrum railway is passing through Thripunithura. Thripunithura railway station is operating under the Southern railway. Malabar Express(Trivandrum – Mangalore), Mumbai – Kanyakumari Express, Thiruvananthapuram-shoranur (Venda Express), Thiruvananthapuram-Bilaspur Express are passing through Thripunithura railway station
By Air
Nedumbasserry Airport well known as Kochi International Airport situates nearly to Thripunithura.