Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Traders Exploit Pilgrims at Medaram Jatara
During the Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram, Warangal, traders are charging very high prices for things like food, water, and even tree shade.
A one-litre water bottle that usually costs Rs 20 is now being sold for Rs 30.
Jaggery, which is a traditional offering, has gone up from Rs 40-50 per kg to Rs 80 per kg.
Even meat prices have shot up, with mutton now costing Rs 1,200 per kg instead of the usual Rs 800.
Some people are also renting out tree shades for Rs 500 to Rs 1,000.
Pilgrims are upset because officials are not doing enough to control these high prices.
Experienced visitors advise bringing their own supplies to avoid being overcharged.
Traders in Medaram are significantly increasing prices of essential commodities during the Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara.
Prices of items like water bottles, jaggery, and meat have seen substantial hikes, with water bottles costing Rs 30 instead of Rs 20 and mutton priced at Rs 1,200 per kg instead of Rs 800.
Local vendors are renting out tree shades for Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, and hot water buckets are being sold for Rs 50.
Pilgrims have complained about the lack of price regulation and enforcement by officials.
Experienced visitors advise first-time attendees to bring their own supplies or purchase essentials from towns along the route to Medaram to avoid overcharging.
- Who
- Pilgrims attending the Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram, Warangal
- What
- Traders and local vendors are exploiting the high footfall by significantly increasing prices of essential commodities and services
- When
- During the Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara
- Where
- Medaram, Warangal, Telangana, India
- Why
- Due to the massive influx of pilgrims, traders are taking advantage of the high demand and limited supply to inflate prices
- Water Bottle (1L)
- Rs 20 (Normal) / Rs 30 (Jatara)
- Jaggery (1kg)
- Rs 40-50 (Normal) / Rs 80 (Jatara)
- Mutton (1kg)
- Rs 800 (Normal) / Rs 1,200 (Jatara)
- Chicken (1kg)
- Rs 220-250 (Normal) / Rs 350-400 (Jatara)
- Hot Water Bucket
- N/A (Normal) / Rs 50 (Jatara)
- Tree/Shade Rent
- Free (Normal) / Rs 500-1,000 (Jatara)
- Shop Space (1 sq. yd.)
- Rs 3,500-4,000 (Normal) / Rs 8,000-10,000 (Jatara)
- Bike Taxi (Any Distance)
- Rs 50 (Flat Rate)
