The spectacular 'Athachamayam', which falls on 20th August this year, is an occasion to witness almost all the folk art forms of Kerala. Athachamayam marks the beginning of the ten-day Onam festival in Kerala. Conducted on the Atham asterism of the Malayalam month Chingam (Leo), the event commemorates a royal custom of the Maharajas of Kochi State. In olden days, it was customary for the king to travel with his entire entourage to the Thrippunithura fort. This was also the occasion for his subjects to greet the king and see him at close quarters. Even now, the procession retains its majestic charm, and is conducted in a splendid manner.