Palakkad: A local holiday has been officially declared for Palakkad Taluk on Monday, November 16, 2026, in view of the grand ‘Devaratha Sangamam’ (confluence of temple chariots) during the famous annual Kalpathy Ratholsavam festival.

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The 10-day cultural and spiritual festival will run from November 8 to 17 this year. The Theru (key chariot procession days) will take place as follows

  • Onnaam Theru (First Chariot Day): Saturday, November 14, 2026
  • Rendaam Theru (Second Chariot Day): Sunday, November 15, 2026
  • Moonaam Theru (Third Chariot Day) & Devaratha Sangamam: Monday, November 16, 2026

The historic Kalpathy chariot festival

The Kalpathy Ratholsavam, also known as the Kalpathy Car Festival, is one of Kerala's oldest and most iconic heritage events. Held at the historic Sree Visalakshi Sametha Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple situated in the traditional Tamil Brahmin settlement (Agraharam) of Kalpathy, the festival dates back over 700 years.

The primary shrine, built on the banks of the Kalpathy River around 1425 AD, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Kalpathy is often affectionately referred to as “Kasiyil Pakuthi” (Half of Varanasi) due to its similar spiritual practices and riverside location.

During the peak festival days, giant, elaborately decorated wooden Rathams (chariots) carrying temple deities are pulled through the narrow heritage streets by thousands of chanting devotees. The celebrations reach their grand finale on the third chariot day during the ‘Devaratha Sangamam’, when chariots from satellite temples across Old Kalpathy, New Kalpathy and Chathapuram converge at the main temple precinct.

The main shrine is situated approximately 3 km from Palakkad town centre and Palakkad Junction Railway Station.