Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his warm wishes on Wednesday as the grand tribal festival, Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara, commenced in Telangana. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi hailed the festival as a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage.
“This Jathara is a great fusion of devotion, tradition, and community spirit. We bow to Sammakka-Sarakka and recall the spirit of unity and valour they personify,” the Prime Minister expressed, acknowledging the significance of the festival.
Sammakka Saralamma Jathara is renowned as the largest tribal religious gathering globally, occurring biennially with approximately ten million attendees converging on the venue over four days, situated 90km from Warangal city.
The festival, a tribute to the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, symbolizes the struggle against injustice, commemorating their historic resistance against oppressive rulers. It holds immense cultural and religious importance in Telangana, designated as a state festival by the Government of Telangana.
This year’s Jathara, scheduled from February 21 to 24, expects a massive turnout, with the state government making elaborate arrangements, including allocating Rs 105 crores for the festivities. To facilitate devotees’ travel, 6000 special buses have been arranged, and stringent security measures are in place with thousands of policemen ensuring constant surveillance.
Medaram, the venue for the festival, located in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, embodies the essence of devotion and tradition during the Jathara. Devotees from far and wide gather to offer prayers and present offerings of “bangaram,” pure jaggery, to the revered deities, making it one of the largest religious congregations globally.
As Telangana’s Medaram Jathara kicks off, it serves as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry and enduring spirit of devotion cherished by millions across the region.
