The parade starts from Thripunithura to the Vamanamoorthy temple at Thrikkakara. Athachamayam is considered as the traditional beginning of 10-days long Onam celebrations in the state. On Atham day a spectacular procession called Athachamayam is held at Thripunithura near Kochi. You can witness the celebrations at several places in Kerala particularly at Trivandrum, Thrissur, Kochi, Ernakulam and Thripunithura. Government of Kerala conducts a week-long celebration in the state during the Onam season. Onam is a 10 day long festival, celebrations starts in the first day called Atham and continues for the nine days up to Thiruvonam. Mahabali’s home coming is celebrated as Onam. Vamana sent Mahabali to underground by his third step with an agreement that he could visit his kingdom and people once in a year. The generous king agreed to give the land, then the dwarf grew in size and covered the whole earth and sky by his two steps Mahabali offered his head for the third step. Vamana met Mahabali to request 3-feet land for meditation. Lord Vishnu disguised himself by taking the form of a dwarf Brahmin saint called Vamana. Indra aproached Lord Vishnu seeking help to end Mahabali’s reign. Indra the ruler of heaven felt jealous by the popularity of Mahabali. Soon Mhabali’s fame spread all over the world. Everyone in his country was treated equally, there was no worries, no crime no corruption, and even nobody dared to lie or cheat. The people in his kingdom were leading a happy contented life, Mahabali’s reign was considered to be the golden era of Kerala. Mahabali an Asura King, who ruled over Kerala, the king was very generous, judicious and kindhearted. Onam is celebrated in the memory of King Mahabali, it is believed that the spirit of the King comes to visit his kingdom and people annually on Thiruvonam day of Chingam. Everyone in his kingdom were equally, there was no crime, corruption, poverty, sorrow and disease. During his reign the people in Kerala was leading a happy contented life. Onam is celebrated according to popular legend of King Mahabali also known as Maveli, Mahabali was an ancient ruler of Kerala. The festival celebrates in Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, falls in August or September in every year. Each day has its own significance in celebration, custom and rituals. Onam is a 10-days long festival, begins from the day known as Atham and concludes on the 10th day known as Thiruvonam. Onam is the most famous traditional state festival celebrated in Kerala and Malayali people all over the world.