The stage is set in Telangana’s Mulugu district for what could be the world’s most massive tribal congregation: the biennial Sammakka Sarakka Jatara at Medaram. Launching Wednesday, this four-day spectacle in the Godavari hinterlands promises to host over two crore pilgrims from India’s far corners.
Often dubbed the ‘Kumbh of Tribals,’ the festival unites Adivasis and others in a vibrant tapestry of customs. From Hyderabad’s urban sprawl, it’s a 240-km journey to this remote village, where ancient forests meet sacred rivers.
Government commitment shines through a whopping Rs 251 crore outlay for lasting facilities, elevating the site’s infrastructure. Pre-festival fervor saw 10 lakh visitors paying homage already.
Rooted in 12th-century folklore, the jatara honors Sammakka and Sarakka’s defiance against Kakatiya rulers. Amid drought-induced tax woes, tribal leader Medaram withheld payments, provoking a deadly assault. The warrior mother and daughter fell in combat, their spirits enduring in tribal worship.
Rituals unfold dramatically: Priests scour bamboo groves for vermilion-laden symbols of Sammakka, fetched alongside Sarakka’s from nearby Kannepalli. Installed under a revered elm, they preside over festivities before returning to the wild.
Offerings abound—jaggery by weight symbolizing gold, vibrant fabrics, spices—shared as divine blessings. Pilgrims immerse in Jambanna Vagu, the stream tied to Sammakka’s tragic son, seeking purification.
Security and services are unprecedented. Over 13,000 cops, AI drones for crowd surveillance, multiple control centers, and a 44,000-strong workforce from diverse departments, plus tribal aides, guarantee safety amid the deluge of faith.
