Kalpathy is a cultural & traditional centre in Palakkad district. 'Kashiyil pathi Kalpathy' is a statement about Kalpathy. Kashi is a famous pilgrimage centre in India, and Kalpathy is known as half Kashi. It indicates Kalpathy's importance. There is a devotional atmosphere in Kalpathy.
Kalpathy Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival or Car Festival) is an important festival of Kerala. It is a week-long annual festival. Devotees will be exited & immotioned when the procession passes, carrying idols of gods. During the processsion vedic scholars and sanskrit pandits chant verses from the Vedas.
Brahmins of Kalpathy are immigrants from Tamilnadu.. There are 78 agraharams in Kalpathy and 18 others in the vicinity of Palakkad town. There is a six month season for Ratholsavams in Palakkad district. This season starts with Kalpathy Ratholsavamin the month of november. (month of Thulaam according to Kollavarsham, the Malayalam calendar).
This festival is conducted by villagers and priests of Kundambalam Vishalakshi Sametha Sree Viswanatha Temple, Chathapuram Maha Ganapathy Temple, Old Kalpathy Sree Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple & New Kalpathy Manthankara Maha Ganapathy Temple. Till 1975 this festival was conducted by the Palakkad royal family.
Different religious believers cooperate & participate in this festival. This is an example of communal harmony. 'Malabar Manual', the historical book, says Kalpathy Ratholsavam is the most important festival of Malabar. This book was written by William Logan, former Malabar Collector, in 19th century.
MUSIC FESTIVAL
In 1984, Kerala government listed Kalpathy Ratholsavam in 'fairs & festivals'. In these times, organisers want to spread Ratholsavam as not only temple based functions but also as a host of traditional cultural programmes. So they started a national level music fest, connecting with Ratholsavam.
In 1988 a committee was formed by cultural & social workers of Palakkad for running the music fest. Also this is a memorial for Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Palakkad Mani Iyer & M.D. Ramanathan, great Carnatic musicians who lived at Palakkad. Great musicians from different parts of country participate in this programme. Also this is a cultural exchange programme.
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