Every year, the sacred Srivari Teppotsavam, widely known as the float festival, unfolds as a vibrant 5-day spectacle at the Swami Pushkarini temple tank. This sacred tank lies within the premises of the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala. Celebrated during Paluguna (March/April) as per the lunar calendar, the festival is marked by a ceremonial boat ride of the deities around the sacred tank.
Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, also revered as Malayappa Swamy, the festival symbolises a divine pleasure cruise for the deity and accompanying idols, offering a serene and celestial experience upon the sacred waters. As the beautifully adorned float glides across the temple tank, devotees are granted a rare and intimate darshan outside the sanctum, making the occasion even more special and spiritually uplifting.
Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, also revered as Malayappa Swamy, the festival symbolises a divine pleasure cruise for the deity and accompanying idols, offering a serene and celestial experience upon the sacred waters. As the beautifully adorned float glides across the temple tank, devotees are granted a rare and intimate darshan outside the sanctum, making the occasion even more special and spiritually uplifting.
Adorned with vibrant decorations, illuminated floats, resonant devotional chants, and elaborate rituals, Srivari Teppotsavam transforms Tirumala into a radiant celebration of faith and devotion. Drawing thousands of devotees from across the world each year, the festival stands as a beautiful expression of divine grace, spiritual fervour, and collective togetherness.
Processions & Sacred Rituals of the Float Festival
During the festival days, each evening, the processional deities traverse the 4 long, square-shaped mada streets (Thiru Mada Veedhi), encircling the shrine before reaching the Swami Pushkarini tank. The air resonates with chants, lights, and colours that enliven centuries-old tradition.
Day-wise Procession:
- Day 1: Lord Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Anjaneya complete 3 rounds on the float.
- Day 2: Lord Krishna with Goddess Rukmini circles the tank 3 times, granting darshan to devotees.
- Day 3: Lord Malayappa Swamy with Goddess Sridevi & Bhudevi glide on the float for 3 rounds on the 3rd day.
- Day 4-5: Lord Malayappa Swamy with his consorts complete 5 rounds on the 4th day and 7 rounds on the 5th day.
History of Srivari Teppotsavam: Faith, Afloat Through Time
Srivari Teppotsavam has been observed for centuries. The earliest recorded mention of the festival dates back to 1468 A.D., crediting Saluva Narasimha Raju Udayar for the construction of the Vasanta Mantapam (menti) in the centre of Swami Pushkarini.
This mandapam remains the starting point of the float procession today, linking present-day celebrations to centuries of devotion. For pilgrims, Swami Pushkarini holds deep spiritual importance, as bathing in its sacred waters is believed to cleanse sins and bring prosperity.
Quick Guide for Attendees: Tickets, Booking & Timings
Here are a few essential details to note while planning your visit to the floating festival, Tirupati.
- Price: Tickets are around 500 INR per person for each day.
- Booking: Online slots on the TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams) website open roughly 90 days before the festival.
- Timing: Evening processions in the tank are from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
- Requirements: Carry a valid ID and arrive at least 40?minutes before the allotted time.
Tips for Pilgrims: Know Before You Visit
- Visit Tirumala with devotion and maintain the sanctity of the holy hills.
- Footwear, headgear (caps or helmets), and flowers adorning the hair are not allowed inside the temple.
- Avoid touts; use only authorised channels provided by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) for bookings.
- Refrain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol, intoxicants, and smoking anywhere in Tirumala.
- Full prostration (Sashtanga Danda Pranamam) is not permitted inside the sanctum.
How to Reach Tirumala?
- By Road: Frequent government buses operate from Tirupati and other major cities across Andhra Pradesh, with direct services also available from Bangalore and Hyderabad.
- By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Chandragiri Railway Station Rd(14 km) and Tirupati Main Railway Station (21 km).
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tirupati International Airport, located approximately 41 km away.
Raj Park Hotel, Tirupati: Your Ideal Stay near Sri Venkateswara Temple
As the festivities commence in the early hours and darshan queues can be lengthy, it is advisable to choose accommodation close to Tirupati for greater convenience and timely access. Located close to the major temples of Tirupati, Raj Park Hotel sits right at the foothills of the Tirumala Hills, offering a comfortable and well-connected stay for pilgrims and festival-goers. Around 23 km from the Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala, our hotel makes it easy for devotees to plan their Srivari Teppotsavam darshans with ease.
Accommodation: Spacious rooms suited for families and solo travellers, offered in 2 categories, the Superior Room and Hill View Room, with round-the-clock room service for a relaxed and convenient stay.
Convenient Location: Located approximately 5 km from Tirupati Railway Station, our hotel makes travelling to Tirumala and nearby temples smooth and time-efficient.
On-site Dining: Our restaurant offers a fine-dining setting with an extensive multi-cuisine menu, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental specialities.
Safe & Well-maintained Facilities: Clean, hygienic, and thoughtfully maintained spaces, including an event venue for weddings and celebrations held amidst the sacred surroundings of Tirupati.
Seamless Arrivals & Travel Assistance: With 24-hour check-in and check-out, along with a dedicated travel desk, our hotel ensures a smooth and flexible stay while assisting pilgrims with transport arrangements and temple visit planning.
