Hyderabad: The biennial Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, one of Asia’s largest tribal festivals, continues to draw lakhs of devotees from Telangana and neighbouring states, showcasing centuries-old Adivasi traditions rooted in nature worship. Unlike conventional religious gatherings, the Medaram Jatara is conducted without temples, idols, priests, or formal rituals. The forest goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma are symbolically worshipped on earthen platforms using bamboo poles, turmeric, vermilion, and cloth offerings, reflecting indigenous beliefs that divinity resides in nature.
Held over four days in the Medaram forest area of Mulugu district, the jatara transforms the remote region into a massive congregation site once every two years. Devotees offer prayers, fulfil vows, and present gold and other offerings to the goddesses. The key ritual takes place on Magha Shuddha Pournami, when Sammakka and Saralamma are believed to spiritually arrive and reside on the sacred platforms, coinciding with the full moon. Tribal communities believe that moonlight enhances divine energy, which is one of the reasons permanent temples are not constructed at the site.
According to traditional accounts, the jatara commemorates the martyrdom of Sammakka, her family members, and followers during a conflict with the Kakatiya rulers centuries ago. Since then, the festival has been observed as a tribute to their sacrifice and as a symbol of resistance against injustice. Temporary wooden platforms are erected only during the jatara period, in keeping with Adivasi customs that oppose fixed religious structures.
Officials have made extensive arrangements to manage crowd movement, sanitation, drinking water, medical facilities, and transportation. Security has been tightened across the Medaram region, with multiple departments coordinating to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival as lakhs of pilgrims continue to arrive.