The sacred town of Medaram is witnessing an overwhelming surge of devotees as the world-famous Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara reaches a crucial phase today. The biennial event which serves as the largest tribal fair in Asia and functions as the Telangana Kumbh Mela has attracted millions of pilgrims from all over India.
The Jatara’s main ritual will take place this evening when Goddess Saralamma arrives at Medaram Gadde after her journey from Kannepalli. Traditional Koya priests will perform special pujas at the Saralamma temple in Kannepalli before ceremonially bringing the deity to the Gadde amid tight security arrangements. Along with Saralamma, Govinda Raju and Pagididda Raju are also expected to reach the sacred site today.
Sammakka’s arrival tomorrow
The spiritual fervour will continue on Thursday (January 29), when Goddess Sammakka is scheduled to arrive from Chilakalagutta to the Gadde by evening. The Maha Jatara reaches its highest point when she arrives. On January 30, Friday, devotees will see Sammakka and Saralamma while they perform their prayers.
The major festivities will end on Saturday January 31 when Sammakka Saralamma Govinda Raju and Pagididda Raju will perform their ceremonial return to the forest which signifies the conclusion of the Jatara.
Medaram packed with devotees
The Medaram festival has become a massive gathering which shows the cultural and spiritual heritage of Telangana through its tribal traditions. Devotees are taking holy dips in the Jampannavagu, offering jaggery to the goddesses, and observing age-old rituals. The area has received a total of temporary shelters and tents which now provide space for the large number of visitors.
The Telangana government has established detailed security measures and public services which include transportation systems and drinking water supplies and medical treatment centers and crowd control operations. The new pavilions which have been constructed help devotees to navigate the space more easily. The officials project that approximately three crore devotees will participate in the Maha Jatara this year which will become one of the biggest religious events in the area.
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