2025

Temples News

Kalpathy Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple

Kalpathy Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Palakkad’s heritage village is making headlines this November as devotees and tourists prepare for the iconic Kalpathi Ratholsavam, the ancient chariot festival that draws thousands each year. The 15th-century temple, dedicated to Lord Viswanatha (Shiva) and Goddess Visalakshi, sits peacefully by the banks of the Kalpathy (Nila) River, earning the village the affectionate title “Dakshina Kashi” (Southern Kashi) due to its resemblance to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. This year’s Ratholsavam, running from 13–15 November, revives centuries-old traditions with Vedic recitals, cultural programmes, and a vibrant procession of intricately decorated temple chariots pulled by enthusiastic devotees through the historic agraharam streets. The festival not only celebrates devotion but also highlights Kalpathy’s rich cultural heritage, turning the tranquil riverside temple into a bustling hub of spiritual energy and community pride.

Temples News

Thiruvalathur Randumoorthi Temple

The historic Thiruvalathur Randumoorthi Temple, one of the oldest and most architecturally unique temples in Kerala, continues to attract large numbers of devotees and heritage enthusiasts to Palakkad district. Renowned for its rare Randu Moorthi (double sanctum) structure, the temple stands as a remarkable example of ancient Kerala temple architecture and spiritual tradition. The presence of two Shiva deities facing east and west makes the temple a rare pilgrimage site, adding to its religious importance. Recent temple festivals and special poojas have witnessed increased participation from devotees across Kerala and neighboring states, highlighting the temple’s growing prominence as a spiritual tourism destination. The serene surroundings, intricate stone carvings, and centuries-old rituals offer visitors a deeply peaceful and divine experience. Temple authorities and local devotees have welcomed the renewed interest, stating that the temple plays a vital role in preserving Palakkad’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The rising number of visitors has also positively impacted local tourism and businesses, reinforcing Thiruvalathur Randumoorthi Temple’s position as a symbol of faith, history, and harmony. With continued preservation efforts and spiritual activities, the temple remains a shining example of Kerala’s timeless temple tradition.

Sports News

Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium

Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, located in the heart of Palakkad town, is one of the most important and well-known sports venues in the district. The stadium plays a key role in promoting sports, fitness, and youth development in Palakkad and has long been a center for major sporting and public events. With its central location and easy accessibility, the stadium attracts athletes, students, sports officials, and spectators from across the district. The stadium is widely used for athletics events, football matches, school and college sports meets, district-level tournaments, and physical training programs. It features a spacious open ground and a standard athletics track, making it suitable for running events, drills, and large-scale competitions. Over the years, Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium has hosted numerous district sports meets and inter-school championships, helping to identify and nurture young sporting talent from Palakkad. Beyond competitive sports, the stadium also serves as a hub for daily fitness activities. Many residents visit the stadium in the mornings and evenings for jogging, walking, and physical exercise, making it an important public space that encourages a healthy lifestyle. During major events, the stadium transforms into a lively venue filled with enthusiastic crowds, reflecting Palakkad’s growing interest in sports and community activities. Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium stands as a symbol of Palakkad’s commitment to sports and youth empowerment. With continued support and development, the stadium is expected to play an even bigger role in hosting larger tournaments and shaping future athletes from the district.

Sports News

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson is the most prominent national-level cricketer from Kerala to represent India in international cricket. He is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman who has played for India in ODIs and T20 Internationals and is widely known for his explosive batting style. Sanju Samson is also the long-time captain of the Kerala Ranji Trophy team and a key player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Although Sanju Samson is not originally from Palakkad district, Palakkad has played an important role in Kerala cricket, hosting several Ranji Trophy and domestic matches at the Palakkad District Cricket Stadium. Matches featuring Sanju Samson and the Kerala team have helped inspire many young cricketers from Palakkad and nearby regions. Sanju Samson’s journey from Kerala domestic cricket to the Indian national team stands as a major inspiration for aspiring players across the state, including Palakkad. His success highlights the growing strength of Kerala cricket and the importance of district-level infrastructure in nurturing future national players.

Political News

S. Mahesh Kumar

The opposition party in Palakkad organized a large peaceful protest highlighting public concerns such as rising prices, unemployment, and delays in welfare schemes. The demonstration was led by District Opposition Leader S. Mahesh Kumar, who addressed party workers and the public during the march held in the town area. He stated that the protest was aimed at drawing the government’s attention to the daily challenges faced by common people. Protesters carried placards and raised slogans while maintaining discipline and order. Police provided security to ensure smooth traffic movement, and the protest concluded peacefully with the submission of a memorandum to concerned authorities.

Political News

MLA K. Raghavan

In a significant political development, Palakkad MLA K. Raghavan announced a series of large-scale development initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure and improving the quality of life in the district. Addressing a massive public gathering held in Palakkad town, the MLA highlighted projects focusing on road expansion, drinking water schemes, irrigation support for farmers, and employment opportunities for youth. He emphasized that Palakkad’s agricultural importance and strategic location make it a priority region for future government investments. The leader also assured that transparency and timely execution would be ensured for all announced projects. The event witnessed strong public participation, reflecting growing confidence in development-oriented governance.

Crime News

Two Booked in Assault Case Near Bus Stand

Palakkad Town Police have registered a case against Arun Prasad (29) and Vishnu Das (27) following an assault incident reported near the Palakkad municipal bus stand on Saturday night. The victims, identified as Rahul K. (31) and Anand S. (28), reportedly sustained injuries during the clash and were admitted to the district hospital for treatment. Police officials stated that the incident was triggered by a personal dispute that escalated into violence in a public place, causing temporary disturbance in the area. Both accused were later detained for questioning, and police confirmed that further legal action will be taken after completing the investigation.

Crime News

House Theft Case Registered; One Arrested

Palakkad police have arrested Ramesh Kumar (38), a native of Chandranagar, in connection with a house theft reported from the Olavakkode residential area. According to police, the incident took place on Friday afternoon when the house owner Suresh Menon (45) was away for work. The accused allegedly entered the house by breaking open the back door and stole gold ornaments and cash worth around ₹2.5 lakh. After receiving the complaint, police launched an investigation and examined CCTV footage from nearby houses, which helped identify the suspect. Ramesh Kumar was later taken into custody, and most of the stolen items were recovered. Further investigation is ongoing.

Festivals News

Thiruvalathur Temple Festival

Thiruvalathur Temple Festival, celebrated at the ancient Thiruvalathur Siva Temple near Palakkad, is one of the district’s most important traditional temple festivals, deeply rooted in history and spiritual practice. Believed to be over a thousand years old, the temple is renowned for its classic Kerala-style architecture, intricate wooden carvings, and peaceful surroundings. The annual festival attracts devotees and cultural enthusiasts who come to witness age-old rituals, traditional music, and ceremonial processions that reflect the enduring legacy of Kerala’s temple culture. In recent years, the Thiruvalathur Temple Festival has drawn growing interest from domestic travelers seeking authentic heritage and spiritual experiences. Highlights of the festival include elaborate poojas, cultural performances, and the presence of caparisoned elephants during ceremonial occasions, all conducted in accordance with traditional customs. Local authorities and temple committees emphasize conservation, crowd management, and preservation of rituals, ensuring the festival remains both spiritually significant and visitor-friendly. As heritage and religious tourism continue to gain momentum, the Thiruvalathur Temple Festival stands as a symbol of Palakkad’s ancient cultural roots and its role in preserving Kerala’s living temple traditions.

Festivals News

Manappullikavu Vela

Manappullikavu Vela is one of the most popular and colorful temple festivals celebrated in Palakkad town, held annually at the historic Manappullikavu Bhagavathy Temple. The festival is deeply rooted in local tradition and draws large crowds of devotees and visitors from across the district. Known for its energetic rituals, traditional percussion performances, and festive atmosphere, Manappullikavu Vela reflects the cultural richness and spiritual life of Palakkad. In recent years, Manappullikavu Vela has gained wider attention as a key cultural tourism event, with highlights including grand processions of caparisoned elephants, vibrant fireworks displays, and the exchange of decorated umbrellas. Temple authorities and local administration focus on crowd management, safety measures, and maintaining traditional practices, ensuring a smooth and meaningful celebration. As interest in temple festivals continues to grow among domestic travelers, Manappullikavu Vela plays an important role in promoting Palakkad’s cultural heritage while contributing to the district’s festive tourism appeal.