The Medaram tribal festival stands as the largest tribal festival throughout all of India. The Medaram Maha Jatara occurs in a two-year cycle which repeats its celebration every second year. The festival pays tribute to Sammakka and Saralamma who are the sacred goddesses of the tribal community. The event starts on Wednesday and continues until the end of the month which is December 31st. The government has completed its festival plans to manage the huge number of religious followers who will come to the event.
Authorities expect that about one crore tribal and non-tribal devotees will travel to Medaram from all regions of the state and country.
Government Preparations and Facilities
The government has spent ₹251 crore on shrine complex reconstruction work together with development projects that enhance visitor experience. The projects involve both public infrastructure enhancements and essential public service delivery. Multiple departments are involved in the arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival.
Devotees started arriving at Medaram about one month before the actual festival date. The site has received approximately 50 lakh visitors to date.
Arrival of Saralamma Marks the Start
The festival begins with the arrival of Saralamma on Wednesday. The devotees worship her as the goddess who rules Kannepalli. The temple priests initiate their sacred work by executing tribal rituals at Kannepalli temple. The Jampanna stream serves as the source from which Saralamma is transported to her place of worship.
Pagididdaraju, the father of Saralamma, has already started his journey on foot from Punugondla in Gangaram mandal of Mahabubabad district. Govindaraju will arrive from Kondai village in Eturnagaram mandal. All three deities will be seated on their respective pedestals.
The deity Jampanna was moved to the Jampanna stream banks on Tuesday night after his installation at Kannepalli.
Sammakka's Arrival
The festival reaches its highest point when Sammakka arrives. The forest goddess will be transported from Chilukala Gutta to Medaram on Thursday. Kokkera Krishnaiah will lead the procession. The district Superintendent of Police will conduct ceremonial gunshots to honor Sammakka who arrives in her vermilion casket. The platform will receive the installation of Sammakka.
Devotees follow the tradition of offering gold on Friday which equals their body weight. The festival ends on Saturday when the deities return to their forest home.
Technology and AI Support
The Medaram Maha Jatara of this year will use advanced technological systems. The police have implemented artificial intelligence systems which enhance their ability to manage crowds and ensure public safety. The festival will use technology for the first time to locate missing children.
The event requires coordination between 21 departments. The departments involved include Roads and Buildings, Panchayat Raj, Irrigation, Electricity, Tribal Welfare, Endowments, Police, RTC, Medical, and Fire Services.
Pagididdaraju Begins His Journey
From Punugondla village in Gangaram mandal Pagididdaraju the husband of goddess Sammakka started his pilgrimage to Medaram. The priests at the Pagididdaraju temple performed their morning duties by cleaning and decorating the temple space with mango leaf garlands. The temple premises saw women create rangoli designs.
The procession carried the Pagididdaraju idol from Penuka Venkateshwarlu's home to the temple. The Penuka family who hold traditional custodianship, led the procession. Shivashakti dancers performed ritual dances, accompanied by drum beats.
Priests conducted traditional tribal prayers and offerings. Pagididdaraju was then decorated in the form of a groom, symbolized by a serpent hood. Priests and attendants began the 62-kilometer journey on foot through forest routes toward Medaram. They are scheduled to halt at Lakshmipuram in Govindaraopet mandal on Tuesday night and reach Medaram by Wednesday evening.
