Rathotsav, or chariot festival, is held at Kolhapur
Mahalaxmi Temple in Chaitra Month (March – April). Kolhapur Mahalaxmi Temple Rathotsava 2025 date is April 12. 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.