Sammakka Saralamma Jatara

CM KCR visited Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jathara on 02nd February 2018 (8)

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara is a tribal festival held biennially in the state of Telangana, India. It is celebrated to honor the goddesses Sammakka and her daughter Saralamma, who are revered by the local tribal communities and other Hindu devotees. The festival is known for being the largest congregation of tribal communities in the region and one of the largest in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims over the course of four days.

Origins and History

The origins of Sammakka Saralamma Jatara are rooted in tribal legends dating back to the 12th century. According to folklore, Sammakka and Saralamma were mother and daughter who belonged to the Koya tribe. They are said to have fought against the unjust laws of the Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled over the region at the time. Despite their valiant efforts, both were killed in battle. The Koya tribe, in remembrance of their bravery and resistance, began the tradition of worshipping them as goddesses.

Celebration

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara takes place in the small village of Medaram, located in the dense forests of the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Warangal district. The festival occurs once every two years, during the month of Magha (January/February), according to the Hindu calendar. The event begins with the arrival of the deities Sammakka and Saralamma, represented by two wooden idols, which are brought from the forest and placed on an altar in the village.

Over the four days, devotees perform various rituals, including the smearing of turmeric on the idols, offering jaggery equal to their weight (a practice known as Bangaram), and taking a dip in the nearby Jampanna Vagu, a stream believed to have medicinal properties. The festival concludes with the return of the idols to the forest, symbolizing the goddesses' return to nature.

Significance

The Jatara is not only a spiritual event but also a symbol of unity and resistance among the tribal communities. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of the tribes of Telangana and their deep connection with nature. The festival has gained significant attention from both the government and tourism departments, promoting it as a major cultural event in the state.

Challenges

With the growing popularity of Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, there are increasing concerns about environmental degradation and the commercialization of the festival. The influx of millions of pilgrims poses a significant challenge to the preservation of the natural habitat in and around Medaram.

Conclusion

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the tribal communities in Telangana. It is a vibrant celebration of faith, resistance, and the deep bonds between humans and the natural world.