What is the Medaram Jathara?
The Medaram Jathara, also called Sammakka Saralamma Jathara, is a tribal goddess-honouring festival celebrated in Telangana, India. It happens in Medaram, Mulugu district.
This festival is about honouring Sammakka and Saralamma, a mom and daughter who fought against taxes imposed by Kakatiya rulers during a drought long ago. It's said to be the only festival dedicated to tribal warriors who defended tribal rights.
The festival shows the customs and history of the Koya tribe. It's considered India's largest gathering of devotees after the Kumbha Mela. In 1998, it was declared as a state festival. This year’s Medaram Jathara was held recently.
When was the Medaram Jathara held?
The Medaram Jathara happens every two years in February. This year, it was held from 21st to 24th February 2024. The festival is not just about religion but also about bringing people together.
The festival is a way to keep tribal customs, cultures, and histories alive. The Tribal Welfare Department of Telangana helped organise the event. The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs gave money to support this year's Medaram Jathara and promote tribal culture and history. Around two crore people attended the festival this year.
What is done as part of rituals in the Medaram Jathara?
In this festival, people offer jaggery to the goddesses and take a holy bath in the Jampanna Vagu River.
