Medaram to Become Year-Round Pilgrimage Hub - CM Announces Landmark Plans

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced a major development plan for Medaram , the sacred pilgrimage centre of tribal deities Sammakka and Saralamma in Mulugu district. He said the government will ensure continuous water flow in the Jampanna Vaagu (stream) by transporting water through a pipeline from the Ramappa–Laknavaram region , improving both the spiritual environment and visitor experience at the shrine.

The Chief Minister made this announcement while participating in the cultural celebrations organised during the Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara , along with Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka , cabinet ministers, MPs and public representatives. Addressing devotees, he described Medaram as a historic symbol where “courage becomes divinity” , and said the festival reflects the deep-rooted identity and traditions of Telangana’s tribal communities.

In a move of strong cultural and political significance, the state also held its first-ever Cabinet meeting outside Hyderabad at Medaram—an unprecedented step not seen even during the undivided Andhra Pradesh era. Reports said the Cabinet agenda includes discussions on municipal election reservations , welfare scheme budget allocations , key administrative matters and inter-state river water disputes .

The government has also undertaken large-scale infrastructure works to strengthen permanent facilities for the massive pilgrim turnout. Several reports estimate the total festival-related development works in the ₹260–₹300 crore range, with most projects nearing completion ahead of the Jatara. The focus is on building systems that can support the event’s scale year after year, rather than temporary arrangements alone.

The Medaram Maha Jatara 2026 is scheduled from January 28 to January 31 , and authorities expect a huge rush, with devotees arriving well in advance of the official dates. The Chief Minister said Medaram would be developed into a destination that attracts pilgrims daily, on the lines of Tirumala–Tirupati , and projected the Jatara as a spiritual event comparable to the Kumbh Mela , aiming to give it a larger national and global recognition.