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The
week-long annual festival of Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) begins in the
month of November, every year. Thousands of devotees haul the huge,
intricately carved temple chariots through the streets.
Vedic ricitals are held in the temple throughout the festival. Throbbing
with the Vedic chants sonorously recited by the Vedic scholars escorting
the god, Kalpathy comes alive with the spirit of true devotion and joyous
celebration.
Perched on its lush green banks is the ancient
Kalpathy Temple,
dedicated to Lord Shiva. A pilgrim centre steeped in antiquity, the temple
dates back to 1425 A.D. and is as revered in South India as Benares in the
North India.
Located near Palakkad, this temple is
believed to be over 700 years old. The festival is dominated by three
magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by
the presence of the lord.
Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one
of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they
proceed in stately grandeur.
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