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Kerala begins Onam festivities with Athachamayam celebrations
The ten-day Onam harvest festival has commenced in Kerala, beginning with the Atham celebrations on August 16. The festivities include the Athachamayam procession in Thrippunithura, which features traditional art forms, music, and cultural performances such as Pulikali and Theyyam. Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan inaugurated the programme, emphasizing the secular nature of the celebrations and calling for the protection of Thrippunithura’s historical heritage.
As part of the seasonal preparations, families engage in traditional customs such as creating Pookalam, or intricate floral carpets, which grow in complexity each day leading up to Thiruvonam on August 26.
In conjunction with the festivities, the Kerala government has intensified food safety inspections. The Food Safety Department has formed special squads to monitor hygiene, labeling, and quality standards at hotels, restaurants, and online food platforms to ensure compliance during the high-demand period.
Entities
Kerala · King Mahabali · Kochi · Onam · Tripunithura · V. D. Satheesan
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] 112 special trains have been arranged to ease the festival rush.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The festival culminates with Thiruvonam on August 26, 2026. www.latestly.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 2026 Onam celebrations begin with Atham on August 16. www.latestly.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Onam celebrates the mythical homecoming of King Mahabali. www.latestly.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kerala state government agencies observe a four-day public holiday from August 25 to August 28, 2026. www.latestly.com