Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Nestled deep within the forests of Mulugu district, Medaram is far more than a geographical location or pilgrimage centre. It stands as a living testament to the collective faith, history and cultural memory of Telangana’s tribal communities. Amid vermilion-filled groves, sacred kank trees draped with thousands of garlands and forest pathways that symbolically lead every devotee to the Mother, Medaram represents a belief system where material wealth dissolves into spiritual equality. Here, jaggery becomes gold, devotion the only currency, and faith transcends caste, class and creed.

Recognised as the world’s largest tribal congregation, the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara is not merely a religious event but a powerful assertion of indigenous identity and dignity. Rooted in legends of resistance, sacrifice and justice, the Jatara reflects centuries of oral history preserved by Koya tribals. Managing such a congregation is therefore not just an administrative task but a cultural responsibility for the State.

Against this backdrop, the Telangana government’s approach to the Medaram Jatara this year assumes special significance. Held once every two years and drawing tens of millions of devotees, the Jatara has prompted the State to move beyond temporary arrangements. Instead, it has invested in long-term infrastructure and cultural preservation, aiming to transform Medaram into a permanent symbol of tribal heritage.

With an allocation exceeding Rs 230 crore, development works have been designed to meet both present and future needs. Road connectivity across Medaram, Tadvai and Mulugu has been strengthened through BT and CC road expansions. Permanent power supply systems, drinking water pipelines, overhead tanks and durable resting sheds are being created. These assets will continue to benefit remote tribal regions long after the Jatara concludes.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has personally monitored the Medaram development programme, ensuring unprecedented levels of permanent construction. Granite structures built to last nearly two centuries, restored sacred platforms (gaddelu), fortified enclosures and stone gateways are taking shape. These are not cosmetic upgrades but architectural expressions of tribal history itself.

Cultural representation forms a key dimension of the effort. Sculptures narrating the origins, customs and clan histories of the Koya community are being installed, with the legends of Sammakka, Saralamma, Jampanna, Pagididda Raju and Govinda Raju etched in stone. Importantly, all works are being carried out in consultation with tribal priests and elders, ensuring authenticity and respect for tradition.

With the Jatara scheduled from January 28 to 31, pilgrim convenience has been prioritised. Thousands of water tankers, temporary drinking water points and round-the-clock monitoring aim to prevent scarcity. Sanitation has received special focus, with extensive toilet facilities, waste management systems and a post-Jatara clean-up plan to protect the forest ecosystem.

Transport, traffic regulation, security and healthcare arrangements have been planned meticulously, involving special TSRTC services, crowd management measures, police deployment, surveillance systems and medical facilities.

Crucially, the government has stressed that development will not dilute tradition. Rituals will remain unchanged, with tribal elders central to decision-making. Often called the “Telangana Kumbh Mela”, Medaram reflects a rare convergence of faith, culture and governance. If administrative preparedness, public cooperation and reverence for tradition align, Medaram will not just host another historic congregation but reaffirm how culturally sensitive governance can truly serve people’s faith.

Amaravaji Nagaraju

PRO to TPCC President