Kochi:
'Athachamayam' heralding the start of the 10 day 'Onam' festivities in Kerala was held at the erstwhile Royal town of nearby Tripunithura, with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy formally inaugurating the celebrations.
Mr Chandy lit the traditional lamp marking the start of the festivities while Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob hosited the 'Atham' flag which was brought from Vamanamurthy temple at Thrikkakara.
A large number of people had gathered to witness the famous 'Atham' procession in which caprisoned elephants, state's traditional folk art forms like Theyyam, Kummatti, Karakaatam Pulikalli, and Kolkali, tableaux depicting social issues and scenes from Puranas, musical ensembles were taken out.
Slight drizzle failed to dampen the spirit of the people who had come from far and near to watch the celebrations.