Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara: Telangana's Cultural Heartbeat
A big festival called Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara is happening in Telangana.
Over 200,000 people came to pray and take a holy dip in a river.
The government is spending a lot of money to make the festival special and safe.
They have set up hospitals, buses, and security to help everyone.
The Deputy Chief Minister said this festival is very important to Telangana's culture and identity.
Some people are unhappy because there are long lines and they have to pay toll fees, but the government is working to make things better.
The government is building permanent structures and has completed 85% of the arrangements so far.
Over 2 lakh devotees visited the Sammakka-Saralamma altars in Medaram, Telangana, on Sunday.
Devotees took holy dips in Jampanna Vagu and offered prayers, with heavy traffic congestion reported.
The state government is investing ₹260 crore for the festival, including ₹150 crore for arrangements and ₹110 crore for temple constructions.
Security measures include 13,000 personnel, 48 CCTV cameras, and 20 drones, with 3,600 buses arranged for transport.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka described the festival as the 'heartbeat of Telangana' and a symbol of the state's self-respect, with 85% of arrangements completed and a deadline of January 15 for the remaining works.
- Who
- Devotees and government officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka
- What
- Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, a tribal festival
- When
- Sunday, with ongoing preparations for the Maha Jatara
- Where
- Medaram, Mulugu district, Telangana
- Why
- To offer prayers and fulfill vows to the tribal goddesses, and to showcase the state's cultural grandeur
Government
Devotees
Festival Management
Government
The government is investing ₹260 crore to ensure the festival's success, including ₹150 crore for arrangements and ₹110 crore for temple constructions, aiming to provide a seamless experience for devotees.
Devotees
Some devotees are facing long lines and paying toll fees, which they find inconvenient, despite the government's efforts to improve the festival experience.
- Location
- Medaram, Mulugu district, Telangana
- Number of Devotees
- Over 2 lakh on Sunday
- Government Investment
- ₹260 crore (₹150 crore for festival, ₹110 crore for temple constructions)
- Security Personnel
- 13,000
- Transport Arrangements
- 3,600 buses from 51 locations
- Expected Passengers
- Nearly 20 lakh
- Medical Facilities
- 50-bed hospital, 30 health camps, 30 ambulances
- Completion Status
- 85% of arrangements completed
- Deadline for Completion
- January 15
