Kalpathy Ratholsavam 2009 – Palakkad Kalpathy Chariot Festival

Kalpathy Ratholsavam is held at Kalpathy near Palakkad in Kerala. The festival organized by Tamil Brahmins settled in and around Kalpathy Village attracts thousands of visitors and the major highlight of the festival is the pulling of huge chariots or Rathas. Kalpathy Ratholsavam 2009 begins on November 8 and ends on November 16. The Rathasangamom will be held before the Shri Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Kalpathy on the evening of November 16.

Kalpathy and its 18 Agraharams near Palakkad is an early Tamil Brahmin settlement and is known as the ‘Varanasi of the South.’ Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a 10-day festival and begins with the Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) and ends with Rathasangamom. The festival is observed during the last week of Aippasi Month.

The most important days during the 10-day festival are the last three days. When chariots from different temples are pulled around.

The festival is also noted for classical music concerts and other traditional cultural programs.

You can find more details about Kalpathy Ratholsavam in this early article.