400 Year old divine Float festival of Madurai

Unni Mohanadas January 15, 2020 Destinations 0

Location : Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

Destination type : Cultural

Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India . The Float Festival of India, Madurai involves the carrying of Goddess Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Sundareshwarar in a procession to the lake where they are taken on a boat ride. This year it is celebrated from 21^st January to 2^nd February. It is continusly celebrated since 17th century

History of Float festival

The Float festival was started by King Thirumalai Nayak on 17^th century
The principal ceremony of taking the idols on a boat ride across the lake on the occasion of the King’s birth anniversary came into existence after the King commissioned the construction of the lake over an area of 5 kilometers
The Mariamman Theppakulam where the float festival happens was built in 1636

Activities for tourists at Float festival

Visit Meenakshi temple and take part in the procession of the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwarar starts from the main temple
Take part in the float ceremony in Theppakulam
Enjoy the fireworks
Enjoy cultural programs and architecture
Try out Madurai food

How to reach there

Air

Madurai airport offers domestic flights to some cities in India and international services to Colombo, Dubai and for Singapore

Train

Madurai Junction is the major railway station serving the city. It is connected to major cities in India through railway network

Road

The National Highways NH 7, NH 45B, NH 208 and NH 49 pass through Madurai . Madurai is connected top all major cities in Tamil Nadu by government operated buses and buses run by private travel agencies

Nearby destinations for tour operators / travel agents