Maori tribal representatives from New Zealand visited Medaram in Telangana’s Mulugu district on Monday, ahead of the Sammakka–Saralamma Jathara starting on January 28.
During the visit, the Maori delegation showcased their traditional Haka dance, a powerful ceremonial performance historically used to inspire tribal warriors before battles.
This cultural exchange moment between the tribal representatives from New Zealand and the local community at Medaram added a unique international dimension to the ongoing Jathara festivities.
The Maori delegation’s visit is part of the Indo–New Zealand cultural exchange program, initiated by Minister for Panchayat Raj, Seethakka, who actively participated in the traditional dance and warmly greeted the guests.
Minister Seethakka emphasized the universal nature of tribal culture, highlighting the deep connection that tribal communities worldwide share with nature and forests.
She expressed that such interactions play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and respect among indigenous communities globally.
The Maori delegation was also taken to seek blessings from the tribal deities at Medaram, where the minister elucidated the significance of Sammakka and Saralamma in tribal customs and honored the guests as a gesture of goodwill.
The Sammakka–Saralamma Jathara, known as Asia’s largest tribal festival, is set to take place from January 28 to 31, expecting over 1.5 crore devotees from various states to participate in the grand event.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma highlighted the significance of the tribal fair during his Republic Day speech, emphasizing the state government’s substantial investment in permanent infrastructure for the Medaram Maha Jathara to honor tribal traditions.
He mentioned the allocation of Rs 251 crore for infrastructure development, aiming to provide better facilities for the over two crore devotees anticipated to attend the Jathara.
