Kalpathy Ratholsavam
Kalpathy Ratholsavam is one of Kerala’s most iconic and ancient festivals, celebrated with grandeur and deep-rooted devotion in Kalpathy Agraharam, Palakkad. Also known as the Kalpathy Chariot Festival, this spectacular event takes place annually in the Tamil Brahmin settlement around the Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Held typically during November, Kalpathy Ratholsavam spans 10 days, with the final three days drawing thousands of devotees and tourists to witness the majestic procession of ornately decorated temple chariots (rathams or therus) pulled through the stone-paved streets by hundreds of devotees.
The festival is celebrated by the four main temples of Kalpathy — Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Manthakkara Maha Ganapathy Temple, New Kalpathy Lakshminarayana Perumal Temple, and Chathapuram Prasanna Maha Ganapathy Temple. Each temple has its own unique procession, rituals, and music, culminating in a spiritual and visual extravaganza.
The highlight of Kalpathy Ratholsavam is the pulling of the gigantic wooden rathams, accompanied by traditional nadaswaram and thavil music, Vedic chants, and the collective devotion of the Tamil Brahmin community and visiting pilgrims. It’s not just a religious festival; it’s a celebration of Tamil–Kerala heritage, architecture, community life, and cultural arts.
The entire Kalpathy Heritage Village transforms into a vibrant, spiritual, and cultural hotspot during the festival days. Streets are lined with lights, traditional rangolis, prasadam counters, and cultural performances. Tourists get to witness authentic Agraharam-style traditions, temple rituals, and musical renditions like Carnatic concerts and Vedic recitals.
If you want to witness the fusion of spiritual energy, history, culture, and architecture, Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a must-experience event in Palakkad.
Annual Festival: November (exact dates as per Tamil calendar – ending on 10th day of Vrischikam)
Main Chariot Processions: Final 3 days, typically from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
