Wp/efi/Sammakka Sarakka Jatara

Sammakka Sarakka Jatara (Tribal Festival of Telangana)

Sammakka Sarakka Jatara (also known as **Medaram Jatara**) is one of the largest tribal religious festivals in Asia, celebrated every two years (biennially) in **Medaram**, a forest village in **Mulugu district**, **Telangana**, India. The festival honors two legendary tribal women — **Sammakka** and her daughter **Sarakka (also called Saralamma)** — who are worshipped as goddesses by tribal communities, especially the **Koya tribe**.

The event symbolizes the valor, sacrifice, and resistance of tribal people against oppression, and serves as a rallying point for Adivasi (indigenous) identity and heritage.

History and Legend

According to oral tribal folklore:

Sammakka was a tribal warrior queen who fought against the Kakatiya rulers in the 13th century to protect her people and their land.
Her daughter Sarakka fought alongside her with equal courage.
Sammakka was martyred in the war, but her body was never found. It is believed she disappeared into the forest and became divine.
The **Koya tribes** commemorate their memory and bravery with rituals and offerings every two years.

Location and Setting

The Jatara takes place at **Medaram village**, located inside the **Eturnagaram forest**.
A sacred place is set up near **Jampanna Vagu**, a stream named after Sammakka’s son who died in the battle.

Festival Rituals and Events

1. Arrival of Deities

The festival begins with the ceremonial bringing of deities:

 * **Sarakka’s idol** arrives first from Kannepally village.
 * **Sammakka’s idol** is brought from Chilukalagutta hill.

The deities are represented by **caskets (gadde)** filled with vermilion (kumkum), symbolic of the goddess’ power.

2. Offerings by Devotees

Devotees offer **jaggery (bellam)** equal to their weight.
They also offer **coconuts, turmeric, sarees, bangles**, and perform rituals.
Some devotees practice self-sacrifice (piercing, firewalking).

3. Jampanna Vagu Bath

Devotees take a dip in the **Jampanna stream**, which is believed to wash away sins and misfortunes.

4. Farewell Procession

On the final day, the deities are symbolically returned to the forest, marking the goddess' return to the wild.

Cultural and Social Importance

The Jatara promotes **tribal unity, environmental reverence**, and **resistance to injustice**.
It is a symbol of **indigenous pride** and **women’s power** in tribal tradition.
Though rooted in tribal belief, the Jatara now attracts **millions of people** from different religions and regions.

Scale and Government Involvement

Attended by **10–15 million devotees**, making it second only to the Kumbh Mela in size.
The **Telangana government** declares holidays and arranges large-scale infrastructure like:

 * Mobile hospitals
 * Drinking water facilities
 * Helicopter services
 * Free transportation and sanitation

Environmental Concerns

As the Jatara is held in a sensitive forest zone, **environmental protection** is a key concern.
Government and NGOs encourage eco-friendly practices and avoid plastic use.

Recognition

Sammakka Sarakka Jatara is officially recognized as **Telangana’s State Tribal Festival**.
Featured in documentaries, cultural studies, and academic research on indigenous traditions.

References

1. Telangana State Tourism Department 2. Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana 3. The Hindu – “Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Begins” (2022) 4. Deccan Chronicle – “Asia’s Largest Tribal Fair” 5. India Today – “Faith and Forests Meet at Medaram” 6. Telangana Academy of Social Sciences (TASS)