Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Event Date

Venue

Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kalpathi, Palakkad district.

The annual Ratholsavam or chariot festival at the Sree Viswanatha Swamy temple, dedicated to Lord Viswanatha or Siva, is one of the most remarkable of the festivals of Kerala. Kalpathi, an early Tamil Brahmin settlement is also known as Dakshin Kasi or the Varanasi of the South. During the first four days, Vedic recitals and cultural programmes are held in the temple, believed to be over 700 years old. On the last three days, thousands of devotees gather together to draw decorated temple chariots through the streets. This ceremonial procession taken out by a sea of chanting people is a sight to behold.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Palakkad, about 3 km away.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, about 55 km away from Palakkad.