Welcome to the new Incredible India Digital Portal! While we are continuously updating and improving the site, we would love to hear your suggestions for features or content you'd like to see. Please share your feedback at info[dot]mot[at]gov[dot]in.

Banner image 1920*1080  - 1

Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Banner image 1920*1080  - 1
map


Nearest airport

Cochin International Airport

Calicut International Airport

Nearest airport

Cochin International Airport

Calicut International Airport

Kalpathi Ratholsavam

The Kalpathi Ratholsavam, popularly known as the Chariot Festival, is a renowned annual celebration held at the Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Kalpathi, Palakkad. Dedicated to Lord Viswanatha (Shiva) and Goddess Visalakshi (Parvati), this centuries-old festival is observed every year in November and draws large numbers of devotees and visitors. The temple, with a history spanning more than seven centuries, serves as the center of the festivities.

The celebrations commence with sacred Vedic ceremonies and a variety of cultural events. During the initial days of the festival, devotees participate in the chanting of Vedic scriptures and enjoy traditional artistic performances. The entire village is immersed in a festive spirit, filled with rhythmic drumbeats, devotional music, and religious chants. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular chariot procession, where massive, intricately decorated temple cars are paraded through the streets, captivating both worshippers and spectators.

The concluding day of the festival presents a breathtaking scene as the elaborately adorned chariots, embellished with vibrant flowers and illuminated decorations, are drawn through the streets of Kalpathi. Thousands of devotees and visitors from different parts of the country gather to take part in the celebrations or witness the impressive procession. The festivities reach their climax when the chariots converge before the main temple, marking the ceremonial end of the event.

Alongside the religious observances, the festival hosts a series of musical and cultural programs at Chathapuram Mridangam Mani Iyer Road. Traditional practices such as Unchavrithi and the rendition of Pancharatna Kritis add to the spiritual and artistic significance of the occasion.

Kalpathi Ratholsavam remains one of Kerala’s most cherished cultural and religious celebrations, showcasing the region’s rich heritage and deep-rooted devotional traditions. Each year, the festival attracts more than 200,000 participants, transforming the village into a lively center of worship, culture, and community spirit.


Kalpathi Ratholsavam

in.gov.incredibleindia.core.models.impl.ImageUtilModelImpl@3f1ac229
Right side image 536*302  - 1
Venue

Kalpathi, Palakkad

Date of event

14 Nov - 16 Nov 2026

Source

Kerala Tourism

Explore more

festivals