Why in News:

• The festivities at Kalpathi Sree Visalakshi Sametha Sree Viswanathaswami Temple have resumed post the pandemic.

About the festival

• Kalpathi Ratholsavam (Kalpathi Chariot Festival) is an annual Hindu Temple festival in the Kalpathi village of Palakkad district in Kerala.
• The temple dates back to 1425,  where the deities are Lord Siva (Lord Viswanatha) and his consort Visalakshi.
• The ancient temple nestles by the banks of the Kalpathi river which is also known as the Nila river.

About Kalpathi

• Kalpathy, the Brahmin hamlet of Palakkad, is noted for its unique architecture, music and Rathotsavam (chariot festival), is the first heritage village in Kerala.
  • Pragpur of Himachal Pradesh is the first heritage village in India. A heritage village is declared by the State government.
• The Agraharam, the traditional residential hamlet which is believed to have been established by migrant Brahmins from Tanjore, will be well preserved under the initiative. 

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/religious-fervour-marks-kalpathy-chariot-fest/article37490731.ece?utm_source=kerala&utm_medium=sticky_footer