Float fete to be held after four decades

Karaikal, Feb 5 (PTI) The float festival will find aplace in the annual Brahmotsavam of the famous NithyakalyanaPerumal temple at Karaikal this year on February 21, after agap of nearly four decades, Leader of opposition in PuducherryAssembly AMH Nazeem said here today.

According to the temple history, the temple tank belongingto Karaikal Ammaiyar temple, had served as the tank for theNithyakalyana Perumal temple too,Nazeem said.

"Accordingly, the float festival of the Karaikal Ammaiyartemple used to held in the Tamil Month of Pankuni and that ofthe Nithyakalyana Perumal temple during Masi," he said.

As the tank fell into disuse due to encroachments, floatfestival of both the temples were stopped nearly 40 years ago,he said.

Nazeem said the tourism ministry sanctioned Rs 3.47 croreassistance for the renovation project three years ago.

"Renovation works commenced in 2009 and the first floatfestival of the Karaikal Ammaiyar temple after tank renovationwas held during the Tamil Month Pankuni in 2010. Devotees ofthe Nithyakalyana Perumal temple expressed their wish torevive the float festival of the Perumal temple too.

Accordingly, it had been decided to hold the float festivalfor the Perumal temple on Feb 21.