Government ready to declare Thrippunithura a heritage city
THE historic town of Thrippunithura has been decked up for the annual Athachamayam celebrations, marking the beginning of the traditional festivities associated with the Onam season.
The streets of the former royal capital have come alive with colourful decorations, cultural programmes and festive activities as preparations intensify for the grand Athachamayam procession.
While inaugurating the Atham procession, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the government was ready to take steps to designate Thrippunithura as a heritage city, recognising its rich historical, cultural and architectural legacy.
He said the government would explore measures to preserve and promote the town's heritage while ensuring that its cultural traditions remain an integral part of its future development.
Thrippunithura, once the seat of the erstwhile Cochin royal family, is renowned for its palaces, temples, museums and centuries-old traditions. The Athachamayam procession, featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional art forms, percussion ensembles and colourful tableaux, remains one of Kerala's most celebrated cultural events.
The proposed heritage-city status is expected to give fresh impetus to the conservation of Thrippunithura's historic landmarks and boost cultural tourism in the region.
With the town already attracting visitors interested in Kerala's royal history and traditional arts, the heritage-city initiative could further strengthen Thrippunithura's position as an important cultural tourism destination.
