Today is Atham, heralding the ten day long Onam festivities in Kerala. From Atham day, people start making pookkalam or floral carpets in front of their homes as a symbolic gesture to welcome the legendary king Mahabali, believed to visit homes on Thiruvonam day. The Onam festivities culminate on the tenth day of Atham on Thiruvonam day. The Onam festival at the Thrikkakara Temple in Kochi associated with the legend of King Mahabali will begin this evening with Kodiyettu (flag hoisting). At Thripunithura, the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Cochin, a colourful display of art forms, tableaux, floats and caparisoned elephants will be held this morning as part of the famous Atham procession.