Kerala readies for Onam

Kerala is all set to celebrate Onam on September 4 as people on Friday observed Atham Day that signals the arrival of the harvest festival.

Atham is celebrated 10 days before Thiru Onam -- the most important festival in Kerala.

Traditionally, celebrations of Onam begin on the Atham Day and take place near here at Tripunithura. The event is called Tripunithura Atha chamayem.

More than 60 tableaus were on display and 1,000 artists took part in the event inaugurated by State Tourism and Devasom Minister Kadakampally Surendran.

Onam falls in "Chingam", the first month according to the Malayalam Calendar.

It is believed the state had its golden period during the reign of King Mahabali and his annual visits to his subjects began the Onam celebrations.

Popular Malayalam and Tamil actor Raveendran is a popular figure on the Atham Day as his house is located where the festivities take place.

"It has now become a practise for me that irrespective of where I am, on this day, I come here to basically re-live. It's a fabulous experience," said Raveendran.

--IANS

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