Athachamayam, a grand cultural fiesta, marks the commencement of Kerala state festival, Onam. Held in the historic town of Thripunithura, this colorful event unfolds with a magnificent procession showcasing Kerala’s diverse folk art forms. This annual celebration serves as a curtain-raiser to the ten-day Onam festival, capturing the essence of tradition, royalty, and communal harmony. Thripunithura , once the capital of the Kochi kingdom, a center of art, culture, and administration transforms into a cultural hub during Athachamayam . The streets come alive with a long procession of thematic floats, musical ensembles, and folk art performances such as Theyyam, Pulikkali, Kathakali and what not. The grandeur of the procession reflects Kerala's cultural diversity and unity, showcasing not just the region’s artistic richness but also the spirit of inclusivity that binds its people together. The History Behind Athachamayam The origins of Athachamayam date bac k to the era of the Ko
Today, a devastating landslide in the hilly regions near Meppadi in Wayanad, Kerala, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 63 lives, with 116 people injured and hundreds more believed to be trapped. This disaster, which coincides with heavy rainfall, is a stark reminder of the urgent need to heed the warnings and recommendations of the Gadgil Report. The recent landslide in Wayanad is not an isolated incident. Kerala is a state highly vulnerable to natural disasters and the changing climatic dynamics given its location along the sea coast and with a steep gradient along the slopes of the Western Ghats. Kerala is also one of the most densely populated Indian states (860 persons per square kilometer), which makes it even more vulnerable to damages and losses on account of disasters. The heavy rainfall triggered a landslide that swept through the region, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Such incidents highlight the fragile nature of the Western Ghats and the dire co