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Glide Alongside the Madurai Float Festival
Published by Paromita Goswami, Writer
Country: India 
The Experience
Madurai is one of the great temple cities of Tamil Nadu in Southern India, and is considered the cultural capital of the state. Here, they celebrate several festivals throughout the year, but the most spectacular of these is the Madurai Float Festival (also known as Teppam). The festival's origins date back to 17th century when King Thirumalai Nayak would take the divine idols of the Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar for a boat ride around the lake on his birthday.
The Madurai Float Festival is a spectacular scene to behold. The deities are taken in golden palanquins escorted by elaborately decorated elephants and horses, along with musicians and devotees who sing songs all the way from the main temple to the lake at the break of dawn. The Madurai Float Festival procession stops on the bank of the lake and the deities are taken to Mandapam (a make-shift temple raft). Devotees throng in thousands to offer their prayers, and the cold winter morning seems to have no effect on their faith.
The raft in which the deities are enshrined for the day is decorated with colourful flowers, silken buntings and papers. After taking a couple of tours around the lake, the raft is moored to the central island where it remains until evening. Throughout the day, a large number of boats ferry devotees over to offer prayers and worship to the idols on the central island.
The most spectacular sight of the Madurai Float Festival is during the evening when the lake water is filled with thousands of floating oil lamps and the banks glow with florescent tubes of light. The reflections cast along the lake from the oil lamps looks like the mirror image of the radiant stars in the night sky above. The Madurai Float Festival celebrations continue into the night and are topped off with an impressive fire works display to conclude the festivities.
The Madurai Float Festival is a spectacular scene to behold. The deities are taken in golden palanquins escorted by elaborately decorated elephants and horses, along with musicians and devotees who sing songs all the way from the main temple to the lake at the break of dawn. The Madurai Float Festival procession stops on the bank of the lake and the deities are taken to Mandapam (a make-shift temple raft). Devotees throng in thousands to offer their prayers, and the cold winter morning seems to have no effect on their faith.
The raft in which the deities are enshrined for the day is decorated with colourful flowers, silken buntings and papers. After taking a couple of tours around the lake, the raft is moored to the central island where it remains until evening. Throughout the day, a large number of boats ferry devotees over to offer prayers and worship to the idols on the central island.
The most spectacular sight of the Madurai Float Festival is during the evening when the lake water is filled with thousands of floating oil lamps and the banks glow with florescent tubes of light. The reflections cast along the lake from the oil lamps looks like the mirror image of the radiant stars in the night sky above. The Madurai Float Festival celebrations continue into the night and are topped off with an impressive fire works display to conclude the festivities.
When to Go
The Madurai Float Festival is celebrated on the full moon between mid-January and mid-February. Apart from Float Festival, another popular festival is the Chithiraj Festival held between April and May.
Madurai city is one of the oldest cities of the Indian Peninsula. It is situated on the banks of the Vaigai River and dates back to Tamil era, which is more than 2,500 years old. It was once the capital city of the Padaya Kings and has a rich cultural heritage. Being the second largest city of the state, Madurai is also a celebrated commercial centre. The silk and hand-loom industry here is very famous.
Located in southern India, Madurai city has a sultry climate. The summers here are rather humid, which can make it very difficult to enjoy excursions; but the winter weather is comparatively quite enjoyable.
Madurai city is one of the oldest cities of the Indian Peninsula. It is situated on the banks of the Vaigai River and dates back to Tamil era, which is more than 2,500 years old. It was once the capital city of the Padaya Kings and has a rich cultural heritage. Being the second largest city of the state, Madurai is also a celebrated commercial centre. The silk and hand-loom industry here is very famous.
Located in southern India, Madurai city has a sultry climate. The summers here are rather humid, which can make it very difficult to enjoy excursions; but the winter weather is comparatively quite enjoyable.
Odds n' Ends
The wet and humid weather can bring mosquitoes, so avoid eating outside and bring ample insect repellent. Drink bottled mineral water only in order to avoid any health related problems. Madurai city does have a good medical facility but you should be safe as long as you’re careful.
Madurai is famous for its temples. Apart from the Sree Meenakshi Temple you can also see Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Azhagar Kovil (the Vishnu shrine), and Rameshwarm (the holy town). Equally as famous are the hill stations around Madurai which are: Kodaikanal, Palini Hills, Vaigai Dam and Coutrallam. You can also enjoy the wildlife at Periyar National Park—a famous tiger reserve. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, these excursions not only provide relief but also rejuvenate your senses completely.
Madurai is famous for its temples. Apart from the Sree Meenakshi Temple you can also see Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Azhagar Kovil (the Vishnu shrine), and Rameshwarm (the holy town). Equally as famous are the hill stations around Madurai which are: Kodaikanal, Palini Hills, Vaigai Dam and Coutrallam. You can also enjoy the wildlife at Periyar National Park—a famous tiger reserve. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, these excursions not only provide relief but also rejuvenate your senses completely.
Places to Eat
- Where to Eat in madurai
- The best guide to all the renowned restaurants in Madurai city
Places to Stay Nearby
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More Experiences Nearby
- The Temple of South India: Meenakshi Temple of Madurai
- Every visit to South India is like travelling to the era of ancient kingdoms. South India is the region where you can see beautiful temples, grand palaces, natural wonders, and much more. Viewing imposing, magnificent temples of South India is always a unique experience, and Meenakshi Temple of Madurai is one to be admired. Meenakshi Temple lies in Madurai, one of the most ancient cities of Tamil Nadu. Also known as “the city of nectar,” Madurai is situated near the bank of the River Vaigai. Meenakshi Temple is the most famous and important landmark of the Madurai, and is dedicated ...0 miles away.
Video
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
- Famous Festivals In Madurai
- This takes place in January – February. In the morning the idols of Sree Meenakshi Lord Sundareswarar are taken to the Teppakulam (Float Tank). There the deities are placed in a decorated float.
- Float Festival
- Devotees clothed in yellow and red dance among the crowd and spray coloured water on them. The icons are floated around the temple tank (Mariamman Theppakulam in Vandiyur ) on a specially constructed raft decked with flowers and flickering lamps to the sound of traditional music. .
- Float Festival - Madurai.org
Media References
- Globe Trekker: South India (television)
- Further south is the temple city of Madurai, one of south India's oldest cities. Justine joins the locals in one of the town's 50 cinemas before witnessing the colourful Hindu Float festival.
- MADURAI (TAMILNADU) (blog)
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Discussion
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