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Chariot Festival at Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple – Rathotsava at Goddess Lakshmi Temple in Kolhapur

Rathotsav, or chariot festival, is held at Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple in Chaitra Month (March – April). Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple Rathotsava 2023 date is April 6. It is the most important festival in the temple after the Navratri festival. In the festival, a chariot bearing the representation of the murti of Goddess Lakshmi is taken out in a procession in the evening from 7:30 PM. The silver chariot is decorated with special lights and flowers.



Devotees offer prayers when the chariot reaches the main entrance of the temple.

A one canon salute is given when the chariot comes out of the shrine.

The procession accompanied by police and military bands then moves through the city.

Huge rangolis are drawn on the road through which the chariot moves. Fireworks complete the chariot festival.

The festival is annually held on the Chaitra Purnima day or full moon day in Chaitra month as per traditional Marathi calendar.