The Float Festival Tirumala, popularly known as Teppotsavam, is one of the most grand and spiritual celebrations at the Tirumala temple. Celebrated annually on the banks of Swami Pushkarini, this five-day festival attracts thousands of devotees eager to witness the processional deities on beautifully decorated floats.
The festival is not only a visual spectacle but also a deeply religious experience, symbolizing the divine presence of the temple’s deities amidst the holy waters of Tirumala.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival Name | Tirumala Float Festival (Teppotsavam) |
| Location | Swami Pushkarini, Tirumala |
| Festival Duration | 5 days |
| Dates for 2026 | February 26 – March 1 |
| Ticket Release Date | November 21, 2025 |
| Ticket Cost | ₹500 per person per day (includes Arjita Seva & prasadam) |
| Booking Platform | TTD App or ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in |
| Day 1 Deities | Lord Rama with Sita & Lakshmana |
| Day 1 Rituals | Celestial ride on decorated float |
| Day 2 Deities | Lord Krishna with Rukmini |
| Day 2 Rituals | Pleasure ride on float |
| Days 3–5 Deities | Sri Malayappa Swami with Sridevi & Bhudevi |
| Days 3–5 Rituals | Day 3 – 3 rounds, Day 4 – 5 rounds, Day 5 – 7 rounds with full moon |
| Special Highlights | Full moon day enhances the divine charm; Arjita Seva ticket holders get darshan after festival |
| Pilgrim Tips | Traditional attire recommended, arrive early, photography restricted, prasadam included |
Significance & History of the Float Festival Tirumala
The Float Festival has its roots in ancient temple traditions, honoring Lord Malayappa Swami along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Over time, the festival has grown in scale, including Lord Rama with Sita & Lakshmana and Lord Krishna with Rukmini in the ceremonial float rides.
This festival is traditionally celebrated during Phalguna Pournami (Feb-Mar) and showcases the cultural and spiritual richness of Tirupati, with devotees participating in Arjita Seva to seek blessings and enjoy special darshan.
Tirumala Float Festival Dates
| Year | Festival Dates |
|---|---|
| 2026 | February 26 – March 1 |
The festival spans five days, beginning with celestial rides of Lord Rama and Krishna and concluding with Sri Malayappa Swami’s grand seven-round float ride on Pournami (full moon) day.
Read more: Tirupati Kalyanam Tickets – Online Booking
Festival Schedule & Deities on Floats
| Day | Deities on Float | Key Rituals / Rounds |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Lord Rama with Sita & Lakshmana | Celestial ride on decorated float |
| Day 2 | Lord Krishna with Rukmini | Pleasure ride on float |
| Day 3 | Sri Malayappa Swami with Sridevi & Bhudevi | 3 rounds of float ride |
| Day 4 | Sri Malayappa Swami with consorts | 5 rounds of float ride |
| Day 5 | Sri Malayappa Swami with consorts | 7 rounds; full moon adds divine charm |
The final day is the crowning highlight, where devotees throng the temple tank to witness the divine grandeur of the utsava murtis on the fully decorated float.
Ticket Booking & Arjita Seva
Participation in the Float Festival is through Arjita Seva tickets, which include special darshan and prasadam.
How to Book:
- Official Portal: TTD website or TTD mobile app
- Cost: ₹500 per person per day
- Booking Tips:
- Use incognito/private browsing mode
- Log in a few minutes before the ticket release
- Keep payment details ready for quick checkout
Note: Tickets sell out quickly due to high demand. Arjita Seva ticket holders are allowed darshan after the festival, making it a spiritually rewarding experience.
Events & Attractions – Float Festival Tirumala 2026
- Grand Five-Day Celebration: Held annually on Swami Pushkarini, starting February 26, 2026.
- Day 1: Celestial ride of Lord Rama with Sita & Lakshmana on a beautifully decorated float.
- Day 2: Pleasure ride of Lord Krishna with Rukmini, drawing devotees from across the region.
- Days 3–5: Float rides of Sri Malayappa Swami with Sridevi & Bhudevi, featuring 3, 5, and 7 rounds respectively.
- Pournami (Full Moon) Day: The grand finale with seven rounds of Sri Malayappa Swami; maximum crowd and divine ambiance.
- Arjita Seva Participation: Ticket holders receive special darshan after the float procession.
- Prasadam Distribution: Included with tickets, offering a spiritual blessing along with the festival experience.
- Decorated Floats: Each float is colorfully adorned with flowers, lights, and religious motifs, enhancing the visual grandeur.
- Cultural & Devotional Atmosphere: Devotees sing hymns and chant during the procession, creating a spiritually immersive environment.
- Special Viewing Experience: Best spots along Swami Pushkarini provide excellent views of the floating deities.
- Photographic Highlights: While photography is restricted during rituals, the decorated floats and processions make for memorable visuals in permitted areas.
Tips for Pilgrims Attending Float Festival Tirumala
- Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended for participants.
- Arrival: Reach the Swami Pushkarini early to enjoy the full ceremonial procession.
- Photography: Follow temple guidelines; photography is generally restricted during rituals.
- Prasadam: Included in the ticket; collect after the float ride.
Offers & Discounts
Some banks and platforms offer special discounts on ticket bookings:
| Offer Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| YES Bank | Special discounts for debit/credit card holders |
| HDFC Timescard | 25% off movie or seva tickets + additional benefits |
| IndusInd Bank | Assured Arjita Seva tickets |
| Apex International | Up to INR 1000 off per month |
Check official announcements for updated offers before booking.
“Do’s and Don’ts” Tirumala Float Festival (Teppotsavam) 2026
| Category | Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Attendance | Arrive early to enjoy the full procession | Do not arrive late as seating/space may be limited |
| Attire | Wear traditional and modest clothing suitable for temple visit | Avoid casual or revealing attire |
| Photography | Take photos only in designated areas (if permitted) | Do not use flash or take photos/videos during rituals inside temple |
| Behavior | Maintain decorum and respect for deities and fellow devotees | Do not shout, push, or disturb others |
| Prasadam & Seva | Collect prasadam included with ticket | Do not waste prasadam or food items |
| Tickets & Booking | Book online via TTD website or TTD app | Do not rely on unofficial sources or agents |
| Mobile/Devices | Keep mobile phones on silent mode | Do not make loud calls or play music |
| Health & Safety | Stay hydrated and follow temple safety instructions | Do not leave children unattended or stray into restricted areas |
| Special Tips | Use incognito/private browsing mode to book tickets faster | Do not panic if booking fails; refresh and try again quickly |
FAQs
1. When is the Tirumala Float Festival 2026?
The festival begins on February 26, 2026, and continues for five days at Swami Pushkarini, Tirumala.
2. Who are the deities on the float each day?
- Day 1: Lord Rama with Sita & Lakshmana
- Day 2: Lord Krishna with Rukmini
- Days 3–5: Sri Malayappa Swami with Sridevi & Bhudevi
3. How can I book tickets for the Float Festival?
Tickets are available online through the official TTD website or TTD mobile app.
4. What is the ticket cost and what does it include?
The ticket costs ₹500 per person per day and includes:
- Participation in Arjita Seva
- Prasadam
- Post-festival darshan for ticket holders
5. When were the tickets for 2026 released?
Tickets for the 2026 Float Festival were released on November 21, 2025.
6. Are there any special tips for booking tickets?
- Use incognito or private browsing mode
- Log in a few minutes before the ticket release time
- Keep payment details ready to complete booking quickly
7. What is the significance of the last day of the festival?
The fifth day, coinciding with Pournami (full moon), features seven rounds of Sri Malayappa Swami and consorts on the decorated float. This is the grand finale and attracts the largest crowd of devotees.
8. Are there any dress code recommendations?
Yes, traditional attire is recommended for devotees attending the festival to maintain decorum and respect.
9. Is photography allowed during the festival?
Photography is restricted inside the temple and during rituals. Devotees should follow temple guidelines and take photos only in designated areas.
10. Can I get prasadam without attending the float ride?
Prasadam is included with the Arjita Seva ticket, so attendance at the float ride is necessary to receive it.
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