Minister Danasari Anasuya, fondly called Seethakka turns her home turf to a new level as she spearheads the Jatara with strategic preparations and also lends her voice to the viral folk song, “Mila Mila Merisindago Medaram Jatara”

In the dense forests of Telangana's Mulugu district, where ancient tribal legends whisper through the leaves, the Sammakka-Saralamma Mahajathara—Asia's largest tribal festival—prepares to unfold like a living epic. Known as the Medaram Jatara, this biennial extravaganza draws devotees from across India to honour the warrior goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, symbols of resilience and faith.

But in 2026, with a staggering 3 crore pilgrims expected from January 28 to 31, the event's success hinges on one indomitable force: Minister Danasari Anasuya, fondly called Seethakka. Hailing from the local Scheduled Tribe community and a veteran of the tribal rights movement, Seethakka isn't just a politician; she's a one-woman army, single-handedly marshaling the chaos into harmony, much like a lone commander turning a battlefield into a triumphant parade.

Born in the heart of these tribal lands, Seethakka's connection to Medaram runs deep—it's her home turf, where faith meets family. As Telangana's Minister for Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Women & Child Welfare, she's spearheading preparations with the precision of a strategist. Under her directives, a massive sanitation blitz has transformed the site. From January 26 to February 1, thousands of Panchayat Raj staff descend like a well-oiled battalion: 21 District Panchayat Officers as zonal commanders, 42 Divisional Level Panchayat Officers as sub-zonal leads, 83 Mandal Panchayat Officers overseeing sectors, and 480 secretaries handling sub-sectors. Backed by 9,000 field workers operating in two grueling shifts from 6 AM to 10 PM, they ensure spotless environs across key zones—temple precincts, queue lines, parking lots, and the sacred Jampanna Vagu stream. Special squads tackle bleaching, spraying, waste collection, and even meat waste management, with sweeping vehicles, tractors, and water tankers on constant patrol.

She has infused innovation into tradition, flagging off helicopter services on January 22 from Mulugu's Degree College Grounds. Partnering with Telangana Tourism and Thumby Aviation, these aerial rides—costing Rs. 35,999 for a Hanamkonda-Medaram round trip or Rs. 4,800 for scenic joyrides—bridge eras, evolving from bullock carts to sky-high convenience until January 31. "From footpaths to helicopters," she quipped, embodying progress rooted in heritage.

Her cultural flair shines through a viral folk song, "Mila Mila Merisindago Medaram Jatara," where Seethakka lends her voice alongside artists, weaving dappu beats and tribal dances to amplify the festival's glory. This isn't new; she's sung for past Jataras, blending politics with passion to stir devotee spirits. With Rs. 251 crore allocated by the government for infrastructure—like 42 parking areas, 60 mobile toilets, 27 permanent mobile towers, and a dedicated app for real-time updates—Seethakka's oversight ensures safety amid the surge. Over 42,000 personnel from 21 departments and 2,000 tribal volunteers stand ready, under her vigilant eye during review meetings and on-site camps.