Atham

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Atham

Onam celebrations start from Atham day (the day on Atham (Hastam) Nakshatra and celebrations continue for 10 days till Thiruvonam. The festival commemorates the appearance of Mahabali, the vamana avatar of Mahavishnu. It is said that Mahabali starts his preparation to return to his kingdom in Kerala.

People start making Pookalam( floral carpet) from Atham to invite Mahabali. On Atham, thumbapoo is used to make the Pookalam ( floral carpet) with a single circle. Every day different type of flowers are used to signify each Devi Devata. 

With each day, the number of flowers and circles increase, on the 10th day of Thiruvonam having a pookkalam will be big depending of the available flowers. Thumbapoo and Tulasi will be used every day. A grand procession called Athachamayam is also carried on the day of Atham in Kochi. This is to mark the beginning of the grand carnival of Onam. Vallam Kali, Vallasadya etc. is held during Onam. 

Wishing a Happy Atham to all






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