Annual Chariot Festival- Kalpathi Ratholsavam In November

Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Start date: 13-11-2016

End date: 15-11-2016

Venue: Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple

Location: Kalpathi

District: Palakkad

It is that time of the year again to soak yourself in a rich colourful spectacle. The Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple at Kalpathi in Palakkad is getting decked up to celebrate its annual chariot festival- the Kalpathi Ratholsavam.

One of the remarkable events in Kerala, this festival sees devotees and visitors arriving in droves to Kalpathi to join in the festive splendour. Kalpathi is a traditional Tamil Brahmin settlement in Kerala and the temple dedicated to Lord Viswanatha or Shiva is believed to be 700 years old. The annual chariot festival usually falls in the month of November. Vedic recitals and cultural programmes render a unique ambience to the place.

Three huge, magnificently decorated temple chariots are taken out through the streets of Kalpathi village on the third day. This marks the end of the festival.

The first day witnesses the pulling of one chariot followed by two chariots on the second, and three on the last day of the festival.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Palakkad Town, about 3 km

Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport (Tamil Nadu), about 55 km