Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara

The Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, also known as the Medaram Jatara, is one of the world’s largest indigenous spiritual gatherings, celebrated by tribal communities in Telangana. It honours the tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma and commemorates their historic resistance against injustice.
Key Points:
Location: Medaram village in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Dandakaranya forest, Mulugu district
Held biennially (once every two years)
Celebrated when the goddesses are believed to visit their devotees
Commemorates the 12th-century revolt led by Sammakka and Saralamma against oppressive taxation by the Kakatiya rulers during a drought
Devotees offer bangaram (jaggery) equal to their body weight to the goddesses
Ritual holy bath taken in Jampanna Vagu, a tributary of the Godavari River
Rituals conducted exclusively by Koya tribe priests following traditional customs
Significance: Promotes understanding, cultural continuity, and harmony between tribal and non-tribal communities