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Float Festival is one of the main festivals celebrated in Madurai. It takes place on the full moon night of the Tamil month, Thai, which falls between mid January and mid February. The concept of the festival dates back to the 17th century, when it was celebrated for the first time by King Thirumalai Nayak. He constructed an artificial tank and then, built a temple of Lord Vigneswara on the island in the middle. He started the custom of taking the idols for a boat ride in the tank, on his birthday. This is how the Float festival came into existence.
At dawn, the procession of the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar starts from the main temple. The deities are taken to the tank in golden palanquins escorted by elephants, horses, musicians and thousands of devotees. They are then placed in a 'Mandapam' on the banks of the lake. Here, the devotees worship the God and Goddess. After this, the idols are again carried in palanquins and placed on a raft-like structure. The raft is colorfully decorated with varieties of flower garlands, silken buntings, paper lanterns and variety of flowers.
After being placed on the float, the deities are taken for rounds in the lake with the help of ropes. The decorated float is then taken back to the central island and stays there till the evening. Devotees throng the island and reach there by boats. In the evening, the island temple is illuminated with colorful lights are looks mesmerizing. Thousands of little oil-lamps are also lighted near the lake. All these lights are brightly reflected in the water. This gives the impression as if the lake is glowing with its own light. The float is then illuminated with colored electric bulbs, fluorescent tubes and a flood lights.
The ornamental raft is converted into a scintillating object. This is followed by a display of fireworks on the shore. In this divine setting, the float is again put to water. It makes its way through the sparkling water amidst fireworks, cheers and prayers of the devotees. After completing a full round, the float is brought to the shore. Finally, the idols are placed on a beautifully decorated golden horse and are returned to the main temple in a procession with great pomp. Float Festival also celebrates the birthday of King Nayak. This festival is unique in its celebration and attracts large number of tourists and pilgrims.
History
In the 17th century, King ThirumalaiNayak, the ruler of Madurai was the first one to start a festival so grand and called it the Teppam festival or the Float Festival. The main ceremony was to take the idols on a boat and get them to cross the lake, on the King’s birth anniversary which came into effect after the lake was formed over an area of 5 km with a huge mahal on an island. River Vaigai fed its fresh water to the lake which is located to the east of Meenakshi Temple.
How to Get There
By Air : It is connected by Air with Chennai & Mumbai. Madurai Airport is 10 Kms away from Madurai City.
By Rail : It is connected by Rail with all major cities Chennai and Tirunelveli. Madurai is on the Madurai-Tiruchirappalli- Dindigul - Quilon line. The Vaigai Express, which is a super-fast day train between Chennai Egmore and Madurai, takes 7 hours for the 495kms.
By Road : Madurai is well connected with all major cities through National High ways 7 & 45. The Pallavas during the seventh century. Madurai City has 5 Major Bus Stand.
Tamil Nadu has been a pilgrim’s favourite for ages. This southern state of India is frequented by people seeking spiritual awakening and transformation. Travellers from across the world embark on a journey to Tamil to revel in the religious festivities. Festivals of Tamil Nadu take place throughout the year, from Pongal to Sivarathri, Good Friday to Janmashtami. Here is a list we compiled.
