Tirumala Teppotsavam Float Festival 2018

Tirumala Teppotsavam, also known as the Float Festival, is one of the most spectacular annual celebrations at the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. This five-day festival features beautifully decorated floats carrying the deity idols across the sacred Swami Pushkarini tank, creating a divine spectacle that attracts thousands of devotees each year. The festival typically occurs during the Hindu month of Chaitra, around February-March, and offers pilgrims a unique opportunity to witness the Lord in a grand procession on water.

Overview of Teppotsavam Festival

Teppotsavam is an ancient festival tradition that celebrates the Lord’s pleasure ride on water. The word “Teppa” refers to a float or raft, and “Utsavam” means festival, making Teppotsavam literally the “float festival.” This seva is conducted annually at Tirumala’s most sacred location, the Swami Pushkarini tank, which holds significant spiritual importance in Hindu tradition.

The festival spans five consecutive days, each dedicated to different forms of the Lord and his divine consorts. The events showcase elaborate floats adorned with flowers, lights, and traditional decorations, creating a mesmerizing sight, especially during evening hours when the full moon adds to the celestial beauty of the celebration.

Festival Schedule and Daily Events

The 2018 Teppotsavam was scheduled from February 25 to March 1, with events held daily between 7 PM and 8 PM at the Swami Pushkarini tank. While specific dates vary each year, the festival generally falls during the Phalguna Pournami period, transitioning into the Hindu month of Chaitra.

First Day: Lord Rama, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, is offered special worship and taken on a celestial ride across the decorated float in the sacred tank.

Second Day: Lord Sri Krishna and his consort Rukmini are offered elaborate puja before being taken for a pleasure ride on the ornately decorated float.

Third Day (Trayodasi): Sri Malayappa Swami (the primary deity of Tirumala), along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, begin their tank procession. On this day, the deities complete three rounds around the Pushkarini.

Fourth Day: The procession continues with Sri Malayappa Swami and his consorts taking five rounds on the float.

Final Day (Pournami – Full Moon): This is the most spectacular day when the Lord is taken for seven rounds on the magnificently decorated float. The full moon night adds extraordinary beauty to the divine procession, attracting the largest crowds of devotees who gather to witness this grandeur.

Booking and Registration Procedure

To participate in the Teppotsavam festival and receive the sacred benefits, devotees must book their seva tickets in advance. According to temple guidelines, bookings should be completed at least 90 days before the festival begins. This advance notice ensures proper organization and accommodation of all pilgrims.

Tickets can be booked through two methods: online via the official TTD Seva Online portal (ttdsevaonline.com) or offline at the temple counters. Online booking is recommended as it provides real-time availability status and allows devotees to secure their preferred dates from the comfort of their homes.

The booking process is straightforward. Devotees need to visit the TTD Seva Online website, select the Teppotsavam festival, choose their preferred date(s), provide necessary personal details, and complete the payment. The system displays available slots, preventing overbooking and ensuring a manageable crowd for the festival.

Cost and Inclusions

The ticket price for Teppotsavam is approximately Rs. 500 per person per day. This cost provides devotees with several valuable inclusions that enhance their spiritual experience and serve as mementos of their participation in this sacred festival.

Each ticket holder receives the following benefits and prasadam items:

• Direct Darshan (sacred viewing) of the Lord after the festival concludes
• One large Laddu (a traditional sweet offering)
• One Vada (a savory temple preparation)
• Silk upper piece for male devotees
• Silk blouse piece for female devotees

The silk clothing items are traditionally significant, as they represent the Lord’s grace and are cherished as blessed articles by devotees. These prasadam items are given to all Arjita seva (special ritual service) ticket holders who participate in the float festival.

Location and Access to Swami Pushkarini

The Teppotsavam festival is held exclusively at the Swami Pushkarini tank, located within the sacred precincts of the Sri Venkateswara Temple complex in Tirumala. The Pushkarini is considered one of the holiest water bodies in Hindu tradition and has hosted this festival for centuries.

The tank is strategically situated within the temple grounds, making it accessible to all devotees who visit Tirumala. The festival venue is properly illuminated and organized during the evening hours (7 PM to 8 PM) when the events take place. Ample space is arranged around the Pushkarini to accommodate the large number of devotees who gather to witness the divine procession.

Tirumala is well-connected by road and rail, with regular bus services from major cities in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Devotees can reach Tirupati city and then proceed to the Tirumala temple by road, cable car, or traditional walking paths.

Tips for Festival Participation

Plan your visit well in advance and book tickets at least three months before the festival dates. Early booking increases the chances of securing tickets for your preferred days, especially for the final day when the moon is full and the spectacle is grandest.

Arrive early at the Swami Pushkarini area, even though the festival events are scheduled from 7 PM to 8 PM. Early arrival helps you secure a good viewing position and avoid last-minute crowd rush. The area begins filling up by evening, and arriving before sunset ensures better visibility and comfort.

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for evening weather in Tirumala during the festival season. Carry necessary personal items, medicines, and water as the outdoor venue may not have immediate access to all facilities. Respect the temple’s conduct guidelines and maintain discipline during the festival.

Photography rules should be followed as per temple guidelines. Some sections may restrict flash photography or professional cameras to maintain the sacred atmosphere and prevent disturbance to the viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Teppotsavam celebrated at Tirumala?

Teppotsavam is celebrated annually during the Hindu month of Chaitra, which typically falls in February-March according to the Gregorian calendar. The exact dates vary each year based on the lunar calendar and the Phalguna Pournami (full moon) period. The 2018 festival took place from February 25 to March 1. Devotees should check the official TTD website or contact the temple for current year dates.

What are the main attractions of watching Teppotsavam?

The primary attraction is witnessing the Lord in multiple divine forms on magnificently decorated floats in the sacred Pushkarini tank. The festival showcases the deity’s pleasure ride, elaborate decorations, spiritual significance, and the unique combination of devotion and festive grandeur. The final day celebration on the full moon night is particularly enchanting, as moonlight enhances the divine beauty of the procession and creates an unforgettable spiritual experience.

Can I book Teppotsavam tickets for multiple days?

Yes, devotees can book tickets for multiple days of the festival. Since each day features different forms of the deity with unique rituals and number of procession rounds, many devotees prefer to attend all five days. Booking multiple tickets allows participation in all the celebrations, though each day’s ticket should be booked separately through the TTD Seva Online portal.

What happens if I miss my booked festival day?

Ticket cancellation and rescheduling policies are determined by the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams). Generally, cancellations should be made within specified timeframes to receive refunds or transfers. Contact the TTD administrative office directly with your ticket details to inquire about rescheduling or cancellation options.

Are there any restrictions on who can participate in Teppotsavam?

The festival is open to all Hindu devotees regardless of age, caste, or background. Children can participate with their parents, and the temple generally welcomes pilgrims from all regions and communities. However, visitors are expected to maintain proper conduct, follow temple rules, and respect the sacred nature of the festival.

Is there a separate fee for darshan after the festival?

No. The post-festival darshan of the Lord is included in the Teppotsavam ticket price. All ticket holders automatically receive this sacred viewing opportunity after the float festival concludes. This ensures devotees get a closer, spiritual experience with the deity as a culmination of the festival celebration.

Conclusion

Tirumala Teppotsavam is a remarkable spiritual festival that combines ancient traditions with grandeur, offering devotees an extraordinary opportunity to witness the Lord in a celestial procession on the sacred Pushkarini tank. Planning ahead by booking tickets well in advance and choosing your preferred festival dates ensures a meaningful and comfortable participation in this magnificent annual celebration.