Medaram Jathara 2024: Telangana's Tribal Festival Marks Mother-Daughter Duo's 'Defiance Against Injustice'

Led by the formidable mother-daughter duo of Sammakka and Saralamma, the tribals rose in defiance against oppressive taxation during the 12th century drought conditions under the Kakatiya rulers.

The celebration also ranks among the largest tribal festivals across Asia

Source : Special arrangement

Celebrating Telangana's vibrant tribal heritage, the Medaram Jatara, also referred to as Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, commenced on February 21 this year. The grand festival commemorates the valorous stand of the goddesses Sammakka and her daughter Saralamma, symbolizing resilience and defiance against unjust laws. The celebration also ranks among the largest tribal festivals across Asia, devoted to honour the courageous stand of a mother and daughter against the law imposed by the ruling authorities.

The Jathara festival, scheduled to take place from February 21 to February 24 this year, is organised by Telangana government once every two years in the village of Medaram, nestled within the Tadvai Mandal of Telangana's Mulugu district. The Jathara draws millions of devotees, including tribal communities from Telangana and adjacent states. Prior to 1998, accessing Medaram was restricted to bullock carts due to lack of infrastructure. However, in a landmark decision, the state government declared the millennium-old festival as official in 1998 and led to the establishment of a motorable road for easier accessibility.

Significance of Medaram Jatara

The Medaram Jathara is significant because of the fascinating stories about Sammakka, a tribal leader. According to reports, around 600-700 years ago, during the 13th century, some tribal leaders found a baby girl surrounded by tigers, emitting a bright light. They named her Sammakka and raised her as their leader.

She later became a saviour for the tribes of the region. Sammakka married Pagididda Raju, who was a powerful tribal chief. Together, they had two daughters, Sarakka and Nagulamma, and a son named Jampanna. 

Led by the formidable mother-daughter duo of Sammakka and Saralamma, the tribals rose in defiance against oppressive taxation during the 12th century drought conditions under the Kakatiya rulers.

Jathara 2024

The Medaram Jathara, a vibrant celebration of the Koya tribal people's traditions and heritage, commemorates a significant chapter in history. The Jathara serves as a platform for offering prayers to the revered goddesses. Spanning several days, the festival encompasses various rituals, cultural performances, and offerings presented to the divine entities.

This year's Jathara saw Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Women and Child Welfare, Dansari Anasuya Seethakka, inaugurating the tribal dance performances in Medaram village.

#WATCH | Mulugu: Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj & Rural Development (including Rural Water Supply), Women & Child Welfare Dansari Anasuya Seethakka inaugurated the tribal dance performances organized by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training at Tribal Museum in… pic.twitter.com/1MTcZKiXLp

— ANI (@ANI) February 20, 2024

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi extended his greetings for the commencement of the Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara, highlighting its stature as one of the largest tribal festivals. He said, "Greetings on the start of the Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara, one of the largest tribal festivals, and a vibrant manifestation of the enduring spirit of our cultural heritage. This Jathara is a great fusion of devotion, tradition and community spirit. We bow to Sammakka-Sarakka and recall the spirit of unity and valour they personify."

Festivities of Jathara

During the festival, priests perform special ceremonies early in the morning. Traditional Koya priests, known as Kaka Vaddes, bring special items representing the goddess Saralamma from Kannepally. These items are placed on a platform called a Gadde in Medaram. While this happens, there's lively music with drums, brass instruments, and dances. Many people come in huge groups, praying for blessings for their children among others.