Athachamayam Rally Heralds Start of 10-Day Onam Festivities in Kerala

Every year, people in Kerala, a state in India, celebrate a happy harvest festival called Onam.

This year, the fun started with a big parade called Athachamayam in a town named Tripunithura.

Everyone cheered as decorated elephants, colorful floats, and dancers walked through the streets.

Musicians played drums and other instruments to make the parade lively.

Some dancers dressed up as tigers, and others performed folk dances like Theyyam and Kathakali.

Even though it rained a bit, thousands of people came to watch.

The Chief Minister of Kerala, V D Satheesan, opened the celebrations and asked people to protect the old buildings in Tripunithura.

He wants the town to become a heritage city so its history is not lost.

The Onam festival lasts ten days, and the most special day, called Thiruvonam, will be on August 26.

People believe the kind King Mahabali visits Kerala during Onam to see everyone.