Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with his family and Cabinet members, visited the Sammakka-Sarakka tribal shrine in Medaram, Mulugu district. Following a Cabinet meeting held in Medaram, the Chief Minister and his family took part in various rituals at the shrine. Additionally, he inaugurated State government development projects for the upcoming Medaram Jatra starting on January 28.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other ministers joined the Chief Minister during the visit. The Sammakka-Sarakka Maha Jatara, a significant biennial tribal festival, is expected to draw millions of devotees to Medaram from January 28 to 31. Known as the Medaram Jatra, it is renowned as Asia’s most important tribal festival.
The State government has allocated Rs 260 crore for this year’s Jatara, with Rs 150 crore designated for event arrangements and Rs 110 crore for permanent temple infrastructure. The development plan focuses on enhancing the sacred grounds hosting platforms for various deities, facilitating convenient prayer offerings for devotees.
During a cultural event at Medaram, the Chief Minister announced plans to organize the Medaram Jatara akin to the Kumbh Mela. He emphasized the historical significance of the Medaram festival, highlighting its representation of courage transforming into divinity. CM Revanth Reddy paid tribute to the brave women Sammakka and Saralamma, who revolted against the Kakatiya dynasty, and recalled his ‘Padayatra’ from Medaram in 2023 that led to the formation of the ‘People’s Government’ in the State.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the opportunity to develop Medaram, noting that the infrastructure and stone structures were completed within 100 days before the tribal festival commenced.
