Cultural Revival: Telangana's Maha Jathara Preparation

The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is preparing for the Maha Jathara festival at the renovated shrine of tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma in Medaram. Extensive infrastructure improvements and personnel deployment are part of efforts to emulate the Kumbh Mela on a historical site.

Telangana's Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, inaugurated the newly renovated shrine of tribal deities Sammakka and Saralamma at Medaram on Monday. The site will host the Maha Jathara, a significant tribal festival, from January 28 to 31, 2026. Accompanied by family and cabinet colleagues, Reddy paid tribute to the goddesses.

The state government has invested significantly in the reconstruction of the altar for deities Sammakka, Saralamma, Govindaraju, and Pagididda Raju, with costs totaling Rs 101 crores. Additionally, Rs 150 crores are being used for infrastructure developments to cater to the expected three crore devotees.

The biennial event will see the deployment of over 42,000 government personnel and 2,000 tribal youth volunteers. In an unprecedented move, the state cabinet met at Medaram, led by Reddy, emphasizing the event's importance. Maha Jathara commemorates the historic revolt by Sammakka and Saralamma against oppressive taxes in the 12th century.