The chariot festival of Kalpathi

The famous Kalpathi temple of the Kalpathi village in Palakkad (Palghat) district of Kerala, South India was built in 1425. This temple, dedicated to Sree Viswanatha Swamy, is held in high esteem by the local people. The place is referred to as ‘Dakshin Kasi’ or the ‘Varanasi of the south.’

The Kalpathi Ratholsavam, or the Kalpathi Chariot Festival, conducted here in the month of November is widely attended. The festival is marked by lots of cultural programmes. On the last three days of the festival, decorated temple chariots are drawn through the streets by devotees.