Asia’s Largest Tribal Festival, Medaram Maha Jatara, Begins Today

The Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara , regarded as Asia’s largest tribal festival, begins today (January 28) at Medaram in Tadvai mandal of Mulugu district, Telangana. The four-day spiritual congregation is expected to witness an enormous turnout, with officials estimating nearly three crore devotees from Telangana and neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra.

In view of the massive influx of pilgrims, the state government has put in place extensive arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Around 42,000 personnel from 21 government departments have been deployed for crowd management and essential services. The Jatara area has been divided into eight administrative zones and 42 sectors to streamline coordination related to drinking water supply, electricity, sanitation, healthcare and security.

Transport and medical facilities have been significantly strengthened. The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation is operating nearly 4,000 special buses for devotees. More than 5,000 health workers , along with government ambulances and 40 bike ambulances , have been stationed to provide round-the-clock emergency medical assistance.

To improve convenience and safety, the government has launched an official website, mobile application and WhatsApp chatbot , offering SOS alerts and grievance redressal features. Telangana Police have also introduced QR-coded wristbands under the Children Tracking and Monitoring System, enabling quick identification of missing children or pilgrims by accessing guardian details through scanning.

Authorities have stressed eco-friendly measures , urging devotees to limit plastic use and maintain cleanliness during the festival.

Adding an international cultural element to the celebrations, representatives of the Maori tribal community from New Zealand participated in the Jatara as part of a cultural exchange programme. The visiting group offered prayers and performed their traditional Haka dance , symbolising courage, unity and cultural pride, drawing the attention of devotees and officials alike.