The Kalpathi Ratholsavam, or Chariot Festival, is an annual event celebrated at the Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Kalpathi, Palakkad. This festival, which has been observed for centuries, is dedicated to Lord Viswanatha (Shiva) and his consort Visalakshi (Parvati). The temple, believed to be over 700 years old, becomes the focal point of festivities every November. The Ratholsavam is a significant cultural and religious event, attracting thousands of devotees and tourists alike.

The festival begins with various Vedic rituals and cultural programs that set the stage for the main event. The first four days are filled with recitals of Vedic hymns and traditional performances. The streets of Kalpathi come alive with the sound of drums, chants, and music, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere. The most anticipated part of the festival is the Ratholsavam, a grand procession of giant, beautifully decorated chariots.

During the final three days of the festival, three massive chariots make their way through the narrow streets of Kalpathi, pulled by devotees amidst much fanfare. These chariots belong to the five participating temples: Kalpathi Visalakshi Sametha Viswanatha Swami Temple, Manthakkara Maha Ganapathy Temple, Chathapuram Sri Prasanna Maha Ganapathy Temple, and Old Kalpathi Lakshmi Narayana Swami Temple. On the concluding day, all five chariots converge in front of the Kalpathi Viswanatha Swami Temple, marking a spectacular sight known as Devarathasamgamam.

The origins of this festival are deeply rooted in the history of the region. The temple was originally under the control of the Akathethara kings of Palakkad. Due to conflicts, the rulers sought the help of Brahmins from Thanjavur (Tanjore) to perform daily rituals, leading to the settlement of Brahmin families in the area. With their arrival, the tradition of the Ratholsavam began, bringing with it elements of Carnatic music, Vedic rituals, and various cultural events.

The Kalpathi Ratholsavam is not only a religious observance but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. The event includes rituals such as Sankalpam, Vigneshwara Pooja, Punyaham, Vastushanthi, Kalashashtapanam, Pooja, Poornahoothi, Kalabhabhishekam, Radha Bali, Deeparadhana, Radha Vellottam, and Nilakkunirthal. These rituals are performed with great devotion and meticulousness, adding to the sanctity of the festival.

On the final day, the sight of the chariots, decorated with flowers and lights, making their way through the streets is a grand spectacle. Devotees from across the country gather to participate in or witness this magnificent event, which concludes with the chariots assembling in front of the main temple. The festival also features a music festival held at Chathapuram Mridangam Mani Iyyer Road, and routines such as Unchavrithi and Pancharatna Keerthan Aalapan are performed.

The Kalpathi Ratholsavam stands as a testament to Kerala's enduring cultural traditions and religious fervor, drawing over 200,000 participants annually. It is a time when the entire village of Kalpathi becomes a vibrant hub of activity, reflecting the unity and devotion of its people.