The Sammakka Saralamma Jathara is the world’s biggest tribal festival. Held in Medaram, a small village in the Warangal district of Telangana, India, it is celebrated in honour of the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, who are believed to be the protectors of the local tribal community. The festival is celebrated every two years and attracts millions of devotees from all over the country. During the festival, devotees gather in the village to offer prayers and perform rituals. It is marked by a procession of devotees carrying the goddesses’ idols on their heads. The procession is accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. The festival also includes a variety of cultural activities such as folk dances, traditional music, and theatrical performances. The festival has different stalls selling traditional food and handicrafts and is a major tourist attraction while being considered to be one of the most important tribal festivals in India. It is also a great opportunity for people to learn about the culture and traditions of the local tribal community.
Known for witnessing one of the largest gatherings in the world, this Jathara begins from the lands of Medaram in Telangana and continues to other places in the Tadvai region. It is considered one of the most revered and celebrated festivals of Telangana in almost every part of the state. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion and is a great way to experience the vibrant culture of the tribal community. It is a great way to connect with the local people and learn about their customs and beliefs.
Medaram Jatara Dates 2023
The Jathara takes place according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Observed in the Magh month (February), it is a biannual festival that attracts millions of people around the country. It begins five days before the full moon and continues till Purnima.
The 2023 Medaram Jatara is scheduled to take place from 1st to 4th February. It is expected to be attended by more than 10 million devotees from all over the country. The festival will be celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Devotees will offer prayers to the goddess and take part in various rituals and activities. The festival will also include traditional dances, music, and other cultural activities. All the rituals related to the festival are conducted by the Koya Tribal priests in accordance with the cultures, customs and traditions of the Koya heritage.
Including in Cultural Heritage
The Jathara takes place according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Observed in the Magh month (February), it is a biannual festival that attracts millions of people around the country. It begins five days before the full moon and continues till Purnima. In 2022, Sammakka Saralamma Jathara will begin from 12th February and end on 16th February. All the rituals related to the festival are conducted by the Koya Tribal priests in accordance with the cultures, customs and traditions of the Koya heritage.
Diving in the History
The history behind these festivities ages back to the 13th century, to the fight of a mother and daughter against an unjust law. Samakka being the mother and Saralamma being the daughter. The legend says that about 6-7 centuries ago, some tribal leaders went for a hunt and found a newborn girl with a visible aura around her amid a group of tigers. The leaders took the little girl back to their habitation and named her Samakka. She was brought up as the chieftain and gradually turned to be a saviour to all the tribes of the region.
She grew up to be a beautiful young woman trained in martial and governing skills. She was married to Pagididda Raju, the feudatory tribal chief of the then-ruling Kakatiya dynasty. After a few years of their marriage, they were blessed with two daughters, Saralamma and Nagulamma, and a son Jampanna.
When the king of the Kakatiya Dynasty imposed taxes on the Koya Tribe, Pagididda Raju, the feudal tribal chief, was unable to pay them. As a result, the king declared war on the Koya Tribe and the tribal leader was killed fighting the battle. Angered with grief, Sammakka entered the field along with her children. When she was almost about to win, Saralamma and Jampanna died in the attack. He fell bleeding into the stream nearby named Sampangi. Sammakka later went to a hill called Chilakala Gutta all alone and manifested into a vermilion casket or Kumkum Bharani.
After this incident, the Koya tribe and all devotees believe that Sammakka and Saralamma were manifestations of Devi Aadi Parashakti, and thus they worship them on this festival. The entire celebration takes place on the stream’s banks where Jampanna fell, now known as the Jampanna Vaagu.
Performing Rituals
It is known that, after the Kumbh Mela that takes place in the country, the Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jatara has the largest gatherings against any festival celebrated. The entire ceremony is conducted in the Medaram area, a remote place in the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest forest belt in the Deccan region.
In the Jathara, all the tribals and devotees offer jaggery equal to their weight to the goddesses. They also worship bamboo and sacrifice animals as a custom. Many devotees shave their heads and dance to the beats of the drum as if they have been possessed by the deity. It is also considered holy to take a bath in the sacred waters of the Jamapanna Vagu as it is believed to have curative properties.
The thrones of all four, Samakka, Saralamma, Pagididda Raju and Jampanna, are decorated with new clothes and adorned with jewellery two weeks before the festival to depict their glory.
THE KOYA TRIBE
About The Tribe
The Koya tribe is the largest Adivasi tribe in Telangana, India and is listed as a Scheduled Tribe in the state. This community is spread across the Telugu-speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Koyas commonly refer to themselves as Dorala Sattam (Lords group) and Putta Dora (original lords). In their dialect, Koyas refer to themselves as “Koitur”, similar to the way Gonds refer to themselves.
They are an indigenous tribal group who have been living in the region for centuries. Known for their unique culture, language, and traditions, they are also known for their traditional art forms such as painting, carving, and weaving. The Koya is mainly concentrated in the districts of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda. They are also found in the neighbouring states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Their traditional cuisine includes dishes such as dal, rice, and vegetables. They are known to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables and wear their traditional clothing which is made from cotton and jute.
A vibrant community, they have managed to preserve their culture and traditions despite the changing times. They are an important part of the Telangana culture and are an integral part of the state’s history.
What is their Habitat & Livelihood?
The Godavari and Sabari rivers have a profound influence on the economic, social, and cultural life of the Koyas. These rivers provide them with a reliable source of water for irrigation, which is essential for their agricultural activities. They also provide a means of transportation for goods and services, as well as a source of fish and other aquatic resources. The Koyas grow a variety of crops such as jowar, ragi, bajra, and other millets. In addition, they are involved in the production of traditional handicrafts such as baskets, mats, and pottery. The rivers also provide a spiritual connection to the Koyas, as they are believed to be the abode of their ancestors.
What is their Language?
Many Koya people have forgotten their Koya dialect and adopted Telugu as their mother tongue, but some in other parts still speak the Koya dialect. This is a reminder of the importance of preserving the language and culture of a people, as it is a part of their identity. It is important to recognize the value of the Koya dialect and to ensure that it is not lost to future generations.
About their Religion and Festivities
The Koya people have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their vibrant festivals and rituals. The most important festival is the Karimnagar Jatara, which is celebrated in the month of April. This festival is celebrated to honour the goddess of fertility, prosperity, and abundance.
The Koya people are also known for their traditional music and dance. They have a unique style of singing and dancing which is known as the Koya dance or Permakok. This dance is performed during festivals and other special occasions.
How to Reach the Medaram Jatara
Held in the Medaram village of Warangal district, the Sammakka Saralamma Jathara is attended by people from around the world. The best way to reach the Medaram Jathra is by road. The nearest airport is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, which is about 200 km away. From there, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the village. The nearest railway station is Warangal, which is about 80 km away. From there, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the village. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.
Places to Stay Near Medaram
Haritha Grand offers a stay for you to delve deep into Sammakka Saralamma Jathara and honour our rich culture. With 100% safety precautions and nestled in the heart of lush greenery, Feriado Resorts offers completely sanitized hotel rooms near Medaram for the Jatara.
Feriado Resorts is located in Tadvai and is close to a number of beautiful destinations. The best weekend destination from Hyderabad, it has undiscovered spots with several adventurous activities to embark on in these coves of nature.
Bestow in the Pilgrimage Site
Haritha Grand offers a stay for you to delve deep into Sammakka Saralamma Jathara and honor our rich culture. With 100% safety precautions and nestled in the heart of lush greenery, Feriado Resorts offers completely sanitized hotel rooms near Medaram for the Jatara.
Feriado Resorts is located in Tadvai and is close to a number of beautiful destinations. The best weekend destination from Hyderabad, it has undiscovered spots with several adventurous activities to embark on in these coves of nature.
