Kalpathy Ratholsavam begins on 14th November and ends at 16th November, 2017.
Kalpathy is one of the ancient Brahmin Agraharam situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala state, south India. A historic important place, Kalpathy is famous for the chariot festival know as Kalpathy Ratholsavam.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam or Kalpathi Chariot Festival is an annual Hindu Temple festival celebrated in Kalpathi village of Palakkad district in Kerala, India. The annual ten-day chariot festival held in Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy temple in Kalpathi. The deities of the temple are Lord Siva (Lord Viswanatha) and his partner Visalakshi(Parvathi). Devotees from all across India gather here during the Festival.This festival lasts for 10 days.
It is believed that the Festival is traced to be about 700 years old. The temple is situated at the Southern bank of river Neela Bhagirathi.The first four days of the festival include Vedic recitals and cultural programmes. The highlight of the festival is pulling the temple chariots through the streets of Kalppathi by devotees. The procession is accompanied by the elephants decorated with Nettipattom and percussion. The belief is that pulling the chariots will wash off all the sins.
Major tourist attractions in Palakkad District
Palakkad Fort – Situated in the heart of town and is also known as Tipu’s Fort, after Tipu Sultan the son of Hyder Ali
Malampuzha dam garden – A big irrigation dam with beautiful gardens, an amusement park for children and a boating facility.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, a famous wildlife sanctuary sprawling over 285 kms
Silent Valley National Park – A thick rain forest, with many rare species of flora and fauna.
Killikkurussimangalam – The birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the great Malayalam satirical poet
Nelliyampathi – a famous hill station known as the Ooty of Kerala
Sholayar – Highest peak in palakkad, spraled with coffee and tea plantations.
Pothundi Dam – It is situated about 8 km from Nemmara and the second earth dam
Walayar Dam – It is situated around 25 km from Palakkad town
Chulanur – A famous peacock sanctuary in India.
Sholayar Forest – Highest peak in Palakkad, sprawled with coffee and tea plantations
Dhoni – A reserve forest area situated about 15 km. from Palakkad town.
Jainimedu Jain temple– Situated on the western border of Palakkad town named Jainimedu
Meenvallam Water Falls. A famous waterfall situated near Kalladikode
Kanjirapuzha Dam and garden.situated about 37.4 km from Palakkad town.
Kottayi, is the birth place of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, a famous Karnatic muscician.
