Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to visit Medaram on January 20

The Telangana government is gearing up to host the Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara - Asia’s largest tribal festival - on an unprecedented scale. Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Monday conducted a field-level inspection of the ongoing development works at Medaram and issued key directions to officials to ensure timely completion.

Addressing the officials, the minister said the Medaram temple complex is being redeveloped as a permanent symbol of Adivasi culture and traditions. The restoration is being carried out using stone structures designed to remain intact for nearly 200 years. He noted that the temple premises are being beautified with tribal-themed sculptures made using seeds and natural elements, reflecting indigenous customs and heritage.

During his inspection, the minister reviewed landscaping works, construction of the main gopuram entrance, installation of PT beams, stone pillar brackets, queue-line sheds, and other civil works. He also assessed road development, side berms, bathing ghats at Jampanna Vagu, water storage ponds, land leveling, and the beautification of the Haritha Hotel junction.

The minister inaugurated the Indira Mahila Shakti Bamboo Chicken Canteen near Jampanna Vagu, highlighting that the initiative strengthens women-led livelihood programs. He directed officials to complete all civil works, queue lines, and sheds by January 12, take strict action against encroachments, and ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply.

He instructed that Medaram should be fully illuminated ahead of Sankranti, with special lighting arrangements continuing until January 31. Sanitation works must be carried out zone-wise and sector-wise without any scope for negligence, he emphasized.

The minister said the Medaram Jatara is being organized in a manner never seen before. What once drew lakhs of devotees has now grown into a massive festival attracting crores of pilgrims. He announced that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will visit Medaram on January 20, stay overnight, and formally inaugurate the completed temple restoration works.

Minister Ponguleti also appreciated Minister Seethakka for her continuous on-ground supervision as per the Chief Minister’s directions. He stated that the government has taken responsibility for preserving tribal faith, culture, and heritage while providing world-class facilities, and thanked officials, public representatives, and the media for their cooperation.