As the sun sets, the parapet walls around Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam slowly come alive . Children stop by colourful stalls selling toys and accessories, families gather to sit and chat , and walkers make their rounds around the tank. On the other side, vendors lay out clothes, jewellery and snacks, hoping to catch the attention of passers-by. During the weekend, the historic tank takes on a new rhythm, buzzing with people, conversations, and brisk sales.

Vandiyur Mariamman Teppakulam was built during the reign of King Thirumalai Nayak and is a big part of Madurai’s annual float festival, known as ‘Theppotsavam’. This festival takes place in the Tamil month of Thai, where the idols of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar are taken around the tank on a beautifully decorated float, along with traditional music and lots of devotees.

On regular days, people come to the Teppakulam to simply simply spend time outdoors.

The growing number of stalls and eateries around the Teppakulam has given people another reason to linger. Stalls selling dress materials and saris, jewellery, and hair accessories line the stretch, while mehendi artists work on intricate desigsn for customers. Some sellers, who run online businesses, use the opportunity to showcase their products in person and connect with potential c

M Yazhni, who runs a stall with her husband, sells dress materials and saris. “We started this stall here only a few months ago. We also sell our products online, but we get more customers here. The weekend crowd helps us reach more people and gives our business a boost,” she says.

A little away, V Tamil Selvi offers mehendi. She says the stall has helped her reach more customers and brought her bridal mehendi bookings as well. For V Durga, who sells jewellery and accessories, setting up the stall is also a way to spend the weekend with her family. “My husband supports me with the stall. I also bring my children along on weekends. They enjoy being here and get to play while I attend to the stall,” she says.

For some, the evening stall has become a regular family routine. R Vellai Ammal and her husband have been selling paniyaram at the Teppakulam for four years. Their stall has become a regular stop for people looking for fluffy and crispy kuzhi paniyaram to eat while walking around the tank.

There are also sellers who see the space as a part-time business opportunity. I Mohammad Azrah has started a food truck and chose this place because evenings are always special here. The weekend crowd also brings more people, which helps the business,” he says.

One can choose from a variety of food options choices range from bread omelettes, bajji and thattu vadai to momos, cakes and ice creams. A few stalls offer homemade brownies. Jigarthanda, a familiar Madurai favourite, is another draw for visitors.

The area grows livelier with college students in the evenings. For many of them, the Teppakulam has become an easy meeting point, a place to catch up after college, grab a snack and spend some time together before heading home.

The Teppakulam is best known for the grandeur of its annual float festival. On ordinary evenings, however, its surroundings take on a quieter role — bringing together walkers, families, students, children, and vendors, each finding a reason to linger by the historic tank.

Published - August 14, 2026 05:59 pm IST