Aattachamayam Festival in Kerala

About Aattachamayam

Athachamayam a colourful ceremony held at Thripunithura in Ernakulam District, Kerala.Onam, the state festival of Kerala, commences on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam. If you plan to visit Kerala on the occasion of Onam, you should never miss this simply splendid celebration. A colourful procession is the most attractive part of Athachamayam. Caparisoned elephants, traditional art forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam and Pulikali, musical ensembles like Chendamelam and Panchavadyam?. the venue of Athachamayam is a rare occasion to enjoy all these.The festival starts on the Atham day of Chingam (Leo), which is a Malayalam month. This Malayalam month usually falls either in August or September.
In olden days, the King used to travel with his entire courtiers to the Thripunithura fort as a part of the custom. Even today, the event commemorates a royal custom of the Maharajas of erstwhile Kochi State. The procession still has its royal charm. You should never miss this splendid celebration.A grand procession is taken out on this occasion, which is full of pomp and show, colors abound the pageantry, replete with caparisoned elephants, varieties of folk art forms, floats and other musical ensemble.lso known as Athakosham, this festival attracts many tourists from India and abroad to Tripunithuva its highlights being ancient and modern art forms such as folk dances, competitions and other entertainment programs.

Some believe that this day is followed ever since the ruling King of Kochi took out a march to display the regal glory and splendor of Lord Mahabali.“For the local Keralites, this occasion marks the beginning of 10-day festivities that conclude on the Thiruonam Day with lots of food and variety of curries served on banana leaf platter.Floral carpets are also made during Athachamayam.

History

Athachamayam celebrations is closely linked with Cochin royal family. In the olden days, Maharaja of the erstwhile state of Cochin, used the custom of travelling to the Thripunithura fort with all his entourage. His people can greet him and see him closely at this occassion. People from all walks of life, including the priest of the church of Karingachira, Champil Arayan, Nettoor Thangal would greet the king. According another popular belief, Maharaja travelled from Thripunithura to Thrikkakkara Vamana Temple on the Atham day. The glory of the King is displayed during this march.

When the rein of the Kings came to end after independance, the festival had died out. But it was revived by the Kerala Government in 1960. Now, the procession is without the King, but with all the spectacular colours of the folk arts of Kerala, as well as the tableaus of the current happenings. Athachamayam is conducted in a spectacular manner in Thripunithura every year.

Interesting things to Visit

Bolgatty Island:

Bolghatty Island also known as Ponjikara is one of the islands that make up the city of Kochi, Kerala, India. The island is a popular tourist haunt, and houses the Bolghatty palace. The palace was built by the Dutch during their reign of the Kingdom of Kochi.

SIVA TEMPLE :

Located near the old Collectorate in Park Avenue, this is one of the largest temples in Kerala.

Cherai Beach:

Cherai Beach offers a unique combination of sea and backwaters rimmed by lush green coconut palms.

Children’s Park :

A high-tech children’s Park with Non-Conventional Energy Museum and Musical Fountain. The Children enjoy a lot with the facilities available here.

Marine Drive :

Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful part of Kochy city. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbour from here is excellent.

Ernakulam Backwaters:

Ernakulam at kochi is More popular as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake.Some of these picturesque islands are Bolgatty, Vypeen, Gundu and Vallarpadam. The lake opens out into the Arabian Sea here to form one of the finest and the Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Gritish have all left their mark here.natural harbours in the world.

St. Francis Church:

It is the first European Church in India. Vasco da Gama, the first European to come to India was buried here at the St. Francis Church. St. Francis Church was originally dedicated to Santo Antonio, the patron Saint of Portugal. Situated 2 Km west of Mattancherry in Fort Cochin, St. Francis Church is a living historical monument and one of the main tourist attractions in Fort Kochi.

Hill Palace Museum:

The Hill Palace Museum in Kochi is the largest of all archeological museums in Kerala.Built in 1865, it was once the official residential palace of the royal family of Kochi. It is now a qualified Ethno archeological museum besides having the distinction of being the first Heritage Museum in Kerala.This Museum of archaeology at Thripunithura is made up of 49 buildings, surrounded by 52 acres of terraced land with ponds, fountains and lawns.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Tripunithura Police Station
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala.

Hill palace police station
Ernakulam
Kerala.

ET North Police Station
Ernakulam
Kerala.

Panangad Police Station
Ernakulam
Kerala.

Police Station Edappally
Ernakulam
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Roshan Eye Care Hospital
S N Junction, Main Road
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala 680301
Tel: 0484 2774701.

Nairs Hospital
Nairs Hospital, N H Bypass
Ernakulam, Kerala 682304
Tel:0484 2302666 – 0484 2304480.

Devi Nursing Home
Near Nss Colege North Fort Gate
Tripunithura, Ernakulam
Kerala 680301.

Matha Medicare
N F Gate, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel:0484 2778332.

Ranjini Eye Hospital
Near Powerhouse
Vyttila, Kochi, Cochin
Kerala 682019
Tel:0484 2301922 – 09746400936.

Rcm Hi-Tech Multi Speciality Hospital
Rcm Hospital Complex
Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel:0484 2776318.

R C M Hospital
Hill Palace Road, Tripunithura
Ernakulam, Kerala 680301
Tel:0484 2776319.

Location info

Address: Thripunithura, Kanayannoor Taluk,Ernakulam district, Kerala, India.
District: Ernakulam district.
Nearest City: Kalady, Kothamangalam,Thodupuzha and Ernakulam(kochi) .
Best time to visit: August or September.

Things to do at Aattachamayam

You can watch Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathirakali, Theyyam and Pulikali, musical ensembles like Chendamelam and Panchavadyam and also The Hill Palace Museum nearby.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Aattachamayam

Aattachamayam takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Aattachamayam

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Aattachamayam — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.