Masi Magam 2024 is a major festival of south India which holds prime importance in the lives of the Tamils. The festival falls in the Tamil month Masi that overlaps a few days with both February and March.
The festival is celebrated on that day during the Masi month when the full moon aligns with the Magha star (Nakshatra) and therefore is considered a very powerful full moon day. This occurs only once a year and is considered very auspicious.
Puducherry is where it is celebrated with the most vigor. This festival is all about spiritual purification.
Magha is considered the birth star of ancestors and kings. It is believed that during this day, the descent of the heavenly being to the earth to clear the Karma of humans. This day is believed to combine the full moon’s prosperity with the divine abundance of the Magha star. Thus, this day is a unique opportunity to tap into your divine self and gain spirituality.
History of Masi Magam
There used to be a king named Vallala in Tiruvannamalai. He was an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. The king having no children was worried as to who would carry out his last rites. One day Lord Shiva appeared in front of him and promised to take care of his last rites.
When the time came, the king left his earthly vessel on Masi Magam, and true to his word, Lord Shiva did perform his very last rites. Further, Lord Shiva blessed him and said that whoever takes a dip in the sea during this auspicious day will attain Moksha.
Since then, Masi Magam has been celebrated with great faith and devotion. It is also believed that Lord Shiva still, every year, comes to the sea and perform the king’s rites.
Major Attractions of Masi Magam Festival 2024
- The Colourful Procession - On this day, idols of Lord Shiva, Shakti, and Vishnu are given a bath in the Bay of Bengal or Theerthavari. A procession of a number of devotees is organized and people walk while carrying the temple idols to the seashores or even local ponds, and rivers. A South Indian acoustic instrument Nadhaswaram is also carried along in addition to the idols. Some temples also perform Ashwa pooja and Gaja pooja to bring happiness and riches to the devotees.
- Holy Dip - The devotees too take a bath in the holy water with a belief that it would wash away all their sins. It is also believed that on this festival, whoever takes a dip in the holy waters attains Moksha.
- Maha Magam - Once every 12 years, Masi Magam becomes even more significant. This is when Jupiter moves into the sign of Leo. The festival is celebrated with great devotion at Kumbakonam’s Adi Kumbeswaran temple.
How to Reach To Masi Magam 2024?
Tamil Nadu is the place where you can observe the pious Masi Magam festival in its most elaborate form. To reach there, you can travel to Chennai, its capital, and from there on you can take other modes of public transport to see the beauty of the state. Tamil Nadu is located at a distance of 2,492, 319, 1,305, 1,984 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata respectively. Here are various modes of travel.
By Air
Chennai International Airport is the prime airport in Chennai. It receives all major flights from different parts of India. In the year 2018-19, it saw, on average, a footfall of 30,000 passengers each day. It is one of the busiest airports in India. Beyond the airport, you can take public transport to travel to the city.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Chennai
By Train
There are numerous railway stations in Chennai. Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. MGR Central railway station is one of the major ones. It is also known as Chennai Central. It was previously named Madras Central. It began its operation in 1873, about 150 years ago.
Here are some train routes from major cities in the country.
- Delhi - Board Tamil Nadu Exp from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl
- Mumbai - Board Chennai Mail from C Shivaji Mah T and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl
- Bengaluru - Board Shatabdi Exp from Bengaluru Cant and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl
- Kolkata - Board Coromandal Exp from Howrah Jn and deboard at the MGR Chennai Ctl
By Road
If you happen to live near Tamil Nadu, travelling by road is also a viable option. Deluxe, luxury, and A/C sleeper buses are also available.
- From Mysuru, the bus fares start from Rs.800.
- From Madurai, the bus fares start from Rs.500.
- From Kochi, the bus fares start from Rs.1000.
- From Mangalore, the bus fares start from Rs.1,500.
- From Coimbatore, the bus fares start from Rs.700.
Here is how you can reach here by the following routes:
- Mysuru - 318 km via NH948
- Coimbatore - 216 km via NH81
- Kanyakumari – 421 km via NH44
- Nellore - 470 km via Chennai - Villupuram - Trichy - Kanyakumari Rd and NH16
Frequently Asked Questions about Masi Magam 2024
Q1: What is Masi Magam?
A1: Masi Magam is a Tamil festival celebrated with a sacred bath in rivers, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
Q2: When is Masi Magam in 2024?
A2: In 2024, Masi Magam date is expected to be celebrated on 24 February 2024. Consult a Tamil calendar for precise details.
Q3: Why is Masi Magam celebrated?
A3: Masi Magam is celebrated to honor deities, seek blessings, and symbolize the cleansing of sins through a holy bath.
Q4: Where is Masi Magam celebrated?
A4: Masi Magam is primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, with devotees gathering at riverbanks or seashores for the ritualistic bath.
Q5: How is Masi Magam celebrated?
A5: Celebrations involve a ceremonial bath, prayers, rituals, and processions at sacred rivers and temples.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
