Widely recognised as the Float Festival, and traditionally referred to as Theppotsav, this religious Hindu celebration is observed across South India, with a particular focus on Madurai, a city steeped in ancient culture and heritage.
The festival, dating back to the 17th century, centres around the Meenakshi Amman Temple, honouring Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Parvati. Participants engage in rituals involving deity processions on illuminated floats across the temple's artificial lake, symbolising spiritual reverence and devotion.
Float Festival 2024 Date
This noted festival's dates change basis the Thai calendar aka Tamil Calendar. It is celebrated on a full moon night between the months of January and February. In 2024, the festival is believed to be starting from 2nd March 2024.
History of Float Festival
It was King Thirumala Nayaka who came up with this event during the 17th century. It is believed that the king had built a palatial mansion during the construction of which a large area of land was dug up for brick making.
Later, the king ordered the construction of a lake on that part of the land, spread across 5 kilometres. The water for the lake, which is known as Teppakulam, was taken from the Vaigai River.
The lake is situated on the eastern side of the Meenakshi Temple. And, it was King Nayaka only who started the custom of taking the holy idols for a boat ride in the tank on his birthday which is now celebrated as Float Festival.
Major Attractions of Float Festival 2024
1. Ritual of the Festival. At dawn, a procession of the idols of Lord Sundareshwar and Goddess Meenakshi are carried out, starting from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. These deities are then taken to the tank in gold-coloured palanquins accompanied by elephants, horses, musicians and a huge number of devotees.
They are then placed in a mandapam on the banks of the Teppakulam lake for the devotees to worship them. After a few hours, the idols are again carried in palanquins on a raft-like structure which is colourfully decorated with different flower garlands, paper lanterns, etc.
2. The Evening Charm. The entire month of this festival, Teppakulam Lake looks mesmerizing. Around thousands of people come to this tank to experience the extravaganza of the Float Festival of Tamil Nadu.
In the evening, the lake looks even more enchanting. Decorated with fairy lights and oil lamps, the lake looks nothing short of a paradise and the reflection of lights and lamps in the lake water makes it look even more appealing.
How to Reach Float Festival 2024
Apart from the splendorous Float Festival in Madurai, one can explore other heritage walks of the city as well such as Tiruparankundram Temple which is just 8 kilometres away from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. Here are a few travel options for you to explore to reach this picturesque location.
By Air. The nearest airport would be the Madurai Airport which is approximately 11 kilometres away from the Meenakshi Amman Temple. The airport is well-connected to the metropolitan cities in India such as Mumbai and Bengaluru and even international flights from Colombo and Sri Lanka arrive at this airport.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Madurai
By Road. Madurai is one of the three largest cities in Tamil Nadu, hence, road connectivity is quite good in this region. It is served by government and private operated buses. Apart from that, you can take a tour of the local destinations by auto-rickshaws as well.
You can reach Madurai through National Highways 7, 45B, 49, 85, and 208. If you are a travel enthusiast and willing to take road trips from distant areas like North, West or East India, then it can be a bit tiring but the road connectivity in India has become such that you will find it to be a cakewalk.
By Rail. Madurai has its own railway station namely Madurai Junction Railway Station which is approximately 1 kilometre away from Meenakshi Amman Temple. Trains from Dindigul, Thiruchirapalli, Siva Gangai, and Virudhunagar frequently arrive and depart from here.
Apart from this, the station also receives trains from Delhi (TN SMPRK KRNTI EXP, Thirukkural EXP, DDN MDUSF EXP), Mumbai (Dadar Ten EXP, Nagarcoil EXP), Kolkata (Kanyakumari EXP), and Bengaluru (Nagarcoil Exp, Tirunelveli Exp).
Conclusion
The Float Festival, deeply rooted in South Indian tradition, epitomises spiritual devotion and cultural richness. Through centuries, Madurai has upheld this sacred celebration, symbolising reverence for Goddess Meenakshi and showcasing the city's enduring cultural heritage.
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Frequently Asked Questions Related to Float Festival
Q1. What is the Float Festival?
A1. The Float Festival, also known as Theppotsav, is a religious Hindu celebration observed predominantly in South India, particularly in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It involves the procession of illuminated floats carrying deities on water bodies.
Q2. When is the Float Festival celebrated?
A2. The Float Festival typically takes place during the Tamil month of Thai, which usually falls between January and February. It occurs on the night of the full moon.
Q3. Where does the Float Festival take place?
A3. The main venue for the Float Festival is the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple's artificial lake, known as 'Teppakulam', serves as the setting for the float processions.
Q4. What is the significance of the Float Festival?
A4. The Float Festival is significant as it symbolises the divine journey of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, the presiding deities of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, across the Teppakulam. It is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the devotees.
Q5. How is the Float Festival celebrated?
A5. The celebration involves the procession of elaborately decorated floats carrying the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Devotees gather to witness the spectacle, offering prayers and participating in rituals amidst the vibrant atmosphere of music and devotion.
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