In a significant cultural milestone ahead of one of India’s largest tribal congregations, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday inaugurated the newly renovated shrine of the tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma at Medaram in Mulugu district. The event marks a pivotal moment as preparations intensify for the Maha Jatara, scheduled from January 28 to 31, 2026.
Accompanied by family members and key members of his cabinet, CM Reddy led special prayers at the sacred site, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to preserving tribal heritage. The landmark renovation—focused on the gaddelu (altar) of deities Sammakka, Saralamma, Govindaraju, and Pagididda Raju—was completed at a cost of ₹101 crore, while overall festival-related infrastructure enhancements have reached approximately ₹150 crore.
Officials estimate that nearly three crore devotees could participate in the four-day festival, which traditionally draws pilgrims from across Telangana and neighbouring states. To ensure smooth conduct, the state has deployed over 42,000 government personnel, supported by around 2,000 tribal volunteers.
In an unprecedented administrative move, the Telangana cabinet convened at Medaram over the weekend—its first session outside Hyderabad—to underscore the importance of the Jatara and expedite last-mile arrangements. Reddy described the event as a living tribute to the tribal legacy, drawing parallels with the scale and spirit of the Kumbh Mela.
Steeped in history and devotion, Medaram’s Maha Jatara commemorates the legendary resistance of Sammakka and Saralamma against oppressive taxation during the 12th-century Kakatiya era, blending faith with a profound narrative of courage and identity.
