TranslateWhen: February/March
Masi Magam falls on the Magam star in the Tamil month of Masi, when temple deities across Tamil Nadu are carried in procession to the sea, a river or a tank for a ceremonial bath called theerthavari. It is observed most spectacularly along the coast, with Mamallapuram, Kumbakonam, Thiruvanmiyur and Pondicherry among the best-known venues.
When
Magam star in the Tamil month of Masi (February or March)
Where
Coastal towns and temple tanks statewide
Duration
One main day
Main highlight
Deities carried into the sea for theerthavari
Temple deities are decorated, placed on palanquins and carried in procession from the temple to the water. Priests perform the theerthavari ritual at the shore or tank steps, and devotees bathe alongside. The procession returns to the temple by evening with music and drumming.
At Mamallapuram, deities from several temples converge on the shore beside the Shore Temple, making for one of the state's most photogenic religious events. Kumbakonam observes it at the Mahamaham tank, and Thiruvanmiyur, Thiruvottiyur and Pondicherry hold major coastal processions. In some places the day coincides with the Panguni festival cycle.
Mamallapuram is about 55 kilometres from Chennai on the East Coast Road and makes an easy day trip. Rituals begin early, often at sunrise, so an early start is essential. The beach areas become crowded, and traffic on the East Coast Road is heavy through the morning.
