The Chariot Festival is celebrated every year in November. It is a ten day event. Over the years the festival celebrations have gained immense popularity in the state of Kerala.The celebrations at the festival includes Vedic recitals and cultural programs for the first four days and through the last three days Chariots for the Lord are decorated by devotees. Devotees from all across India gather here during the Festival.
According t the Legends the Festival is traced to be about 700 years old. The temple of Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy dates back to 1425 A.D. The temple is known to be the oldest Siva temple in Malabar. It is situated at the Southern bank of river Neela Bhagirathi.
The annual Chariot Festival is a tribute to the Indian culture and traditions that has been well preserved by the people of Kerala. The Festival is a must watch spectacle, and even the weather of the place during the time of Festival is favorable.
Key Features of Kalpathi Ratholsavam:
Date and Duration:The festival typically takes place in November and lasts for 10 days. The dates are based on the Tamil calendar and usually coincide with the Aippasi month.
Rituals and Events:
The main event of the festival is the Ratholsavam, or chariot festival, where beautifully decorated temple chariots (raths) are pulled through the streets by devotees.
The chariots carry the idols of Lord Viswanatha (Shiva), his consort Parvati, and Lord Ganapathy.
The festival also includes Vedic recitals, cultural programs, and traditional music performances, especially Nadaswaram and Thavil.
Significance:
The festival is deeply rooted in Tamil Brahmin culture and is considered an important religious and cultural event for the community.
Kalpathi is often referred to as the "Varanasi of the South" because of the presence of the Viswanatha Swamy Temple and the significance of the Ratholsavam.
Procession:
The chariot procession is the highlight of the festival. Devotees gather to pull the chariots with thick ropes, and it is considered an auspicious act.
The main procession happens on the last three days of the festival, and each day is dedicated to different deities.
Pilgrimage and Participation:
Thousands of devotees from different parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu participate in the festival.
The streets of Kalpathy village are filled with a festive atmosphere, with people dressed in traditional attire, and the area is decorated with lights and flowers.
The celebration of Kalpathi Ratholsavam is a vibrant and elaborate event that involves the entire community, blending deep religious devotion with cultural festivities. Here's how the celebration typically unfolds:
1. Pre-Festival Preparations:
Temple and Village Decoration: The Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple and the streets of Kalpathy village are adorned with lights, flowers, and traditional decorations. The atmosphere is festive, and the entire village comes together to prepare for the event.
Chariot Preparation: The wooden chariots, known as "raths," are carefully decorated with flowers, fabrics, and intricate designs. These chariots are the focal point of the festival and are prepared weeks in advance.
2. Daily Rituals and Cultural Events:
Poojas and Offerings: Each day of the festival begins with special poojas (prayers) at the temple. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the deities.
Vedic Recitations: Scholars recite Vedic hymns and scriptures, creating a sacred ambiance. These recitations are believed to bring blessings and purify the surroundings.
Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance performances are held throughout the festival. Classical music, particularly Nadaswaram and Thavil performances, are prominent, along with classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam.
3. The Ratholsavam (Chariot Procession):
Procession of the Chariots: The highlight of the festival is the chariot procession, where the deities are placed in the beautifully decorated raths. Devotees from near and far gather to pull the chariots through the streets.
Community Participation: Pulling the chariots is considered a sacred act, and devotees participate with great enthusiasm. The streets are filled with the sounds of traditional music, chanting, and the joyous atmosphere of the festival.
Sequence of Processions: The festival culminates in a grand procession during the final three days, with each day dedicated to a different deity—Lord Ganapathy, Lord Viswanatha, and Goddess Parvati.
4. Social and Communal Aspects:
Community Feasts: The festival often includes communal meals, where devotees share traditional food prepared as offerings to the deities. These meals are a time for socializing and bonding within the community.
Family Gatherings: Families and friends come together during the festival, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. It is a time for both religious observance and social celebration.
5. Final Day Celebrations:
Concluding Rituals: The festival ends with special rituals that mark the conclusion of the celebrations. Devotees seek blessings from the deities before they are returned to the temple.
Farewell Procession: The final procession is both a joyful and solemn event, as the chariots make their way back to the temple, signifying the end of the festival.
Kalpathi Ratholsavam is not just a religious event but a celebration of heritage, community, and devotion, making it a cherished and eagerly awaited occasion in the region.
केरल के कल्पथी की रथ यात्रा के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़िये, क्लिक करें