Palakkad : The historic Kalpathy Ratholsavam began on Saturday with traditional rituals, marking the start of the 11-day annual festival that draws thousands of devotees and visitors to the heritage agraharams of Palakkad.
The festival will conclude on Nov 17, with the grand Devaratha Sangamam, its main attraction, scheduled for the evening of Nov 16. The six decorated chariots will be taken out in procession on Nov 14, 15 and 16. The Pallakku-Ratha Sangamam is scheduled for Nov 12. Special medical teams will be deployed on Nov 14, 15 and 16.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi Stay updated with the latest Kochi news. The celebrations will feature chaturveda recitation by Vedic scholars, special prayers, homams, abhishekams and processions of festival deities through the traditional agraharam streets. The district administration has stepped up preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. At a review meeting chaired by district collector K Sudheer, officials were directed to prohibit the use of LPG cylinders in the temple festival area as a safety precaution. Registration has been made mandatory for vendors, while the police will oversee traffic regulation, parking, security and emergency evacuation arrangements. The public works department will inspect the fitness of the chariots. Arrangements will also be made for drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, bio-toilets and strict adherence to green protocol. Meanwhile, temple committees had raised concerns over incomplete road works and damaged drainage slabs along parts of the chariot route, seeking urgent repairs to ensure the safe movement of the massive wooden chariots. Download the TOI App.
The ceremonial flag-hoisting will be held at four temples on Sunday morning.