The organizers of the annual Kalpatha Rath festival asked for increased support for the district administration and police, due to the growing crowds, which plunged into the villages of Kalpatha.
In recent years, the Kalpatha festival has seen an increase in participation, largely driven by electronic and social media. This growth has been concerned about the organizers because recent incidents related to the crowd at large gatherings across the country emphasized security risks.
In addition to improved devices, during the recent preparatory meeting of the organizers held in Kalpatha last week, the management of space and crowd appeared.
The festival is performed every year by Sree Visalakshi Velvetha Viswanatha Swamy Swamy, Kalpathy; Sree Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple, Old Kalpathy; Mandakkarai Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, New Kalpathy; And sree prasanna Maha Ganapaty Temple, chathappuram.
Festival data
This year’s festival will take place from 7 to November 17, which means the beginning of the Teral Festivals in Kerala. The main functions of the festival will be 12, 15, 15 and 16 November. The festival will include deities processions through villages at different times these days next to the rituals of the temple.
These days, heavy crowds can be expected, especially November 16, when all cars carrying the deities of four temples cluster in front of Sree Visalakshi Veleth Viswanatha Swamy Swamy, Kalpathy.
Last year’s Kalpatha festival had more than 300 police officers and about 100 volunteers who managed the crowds. This year, the festival organizers are looking for reinforced police support and expect a larger crowd than usual.
The organizers asked for the support of the district administration in several areas, including the crowd administration, safety and security, health and hygiene, uninterrupted services, road maintenance and regulated vehicle parking.
The Navaratri celebrations usually refer to the beginning of preparations for the Kalpathy’s Chariot Festival, while the inhabitants clean their homes to host visiting relatives and friends from all over the world.
In addition to the participating spiritual enthusiasm, especially when the deities mounted on the cars move around villages that bless the inhabitants, the festival is also a family meeting.
The temples of Kalpathy, including the old Kalpatha, New Kalpathy and Chathapuram, are tidy at the festival. About three dozen scientists will arrive to recite the Vedas and preserve centuries old oral tradition.
Chariots will be ready by the end of October. They were well maintained and after last year’s festival they returned to their shelters in good condition. The organizers pointed out that only a fresh coat would be needed.
The brochure in detail describing the festival will be presented in Sree Visalakshi Veleth Viswanatha Swamy Swamy, Kalpathy, 4 October.
Published – 30 September 2025 20:53
