Medaram Kumbh Mela Sees Unprecedented Devotee Rush on Day Three
Medaram’s Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, Asia’s largest tribal festival, saw massive crowds on its third day. On Friday, Telangana Governor S. P. Jishnu Dev Varma , along with several key political leaders and international representatives, visited the sacred shrines to offer their respects and perform rituals.
Dignitaries at the Shrine
Among the prominent visitors were former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, State Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, British Deputy High Commissioner Gareth Win Owen , and State DGP B. Shivadhar Reddy. Following tribal tradition, each performed the ritual of Tulabharam , offering quantities of sugar (or gold) equivalent to their body weight to the deities.
Expressing his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), Gareth Win Owen described participating in the Tulabharam as “a truly incredible experience, how often do we get to offer sugar in such a unique way!” State Minister D. Anasuya Seethakka briefed him on the festival’s significance and the development work undertaken at the shrines.
Record-Breaking Devotee Turnout
According to State Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, around 8 million devotees visited the temples on Wednesday and Thursday alone. Pilgrims took holy dips in the Jampanna Vagu stream before proceeding to the shrines. The biennial festival, which began on January 28, will continue until January 31.
Compared to previous years, this edition witnessed a massive surge in visitors . Devotees have been flocking to Medaram for the past 40 days. To ensure a smooth experience, the government undertook extensive arrangements. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and fellow ministers allocated substantial funds to renovate temple premises and enhance facilities. Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Women & Child Welfare Minister D. Anasuya Seethakka welcomed devotees and participated in the rituals, reflecting the festival’s spiritual and cultural significance.
Government Preparations and Infrastructure Upgrades
The state government made special arrangements for the event. CM Revanth Reddy inaugurated worship at the newly renovated Sammakka and Saralamma temples on January 19. Renovation of Sammakka, Saralamma, Govindaraju, and Pagididda Raju temples cost around ₹101 crore , with an additional ₹150 crore invested in improving facilities for devotees.
About 42,000 government staff from 21 departments are working in shifts to manage the festival. Dedicated teams and bike ambulances ensure security, hygiene, and medical assistance throughout the event.
Historical Significance
The Jatara, held amid the dense forests of the Eturunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, commemorates the sacrifice of sisters Sammakka and Saralamma in the 12th century, who resisted the Kakatiya rulers’ tax impositions. Celebrated as a symbol of tribal pride, the festival now attracts visitors from across India and abroad.
Devotees Praise Arrangements
Pilgrims expressed satisfaction with the festival arrangements, noting that despite the huge crowds, the viewing process is smooth with minimal waiting times. Well-organized queues, police guidance, and volunteer assistance have streamlined access, preventing congestion and ensuring a peaceful experience.
Wide roads leading to Medaram, clear signage from parking areas, and efficient traffic management have eased movement. Devotees also appreciated the availability of drinking water, medical support, and hygiene facilities. Emergency medical teams and ambulances are on standby, providing reassurance to visitors.
Overall, devotees lauded the government and district administration for prioritizing their comfort and safety. The festival continues to offer a serene and spiritually enriching experience while showcasing the richness of regional traditions.