Telangana CM, ministers offer prayers at tribal shrine in Medaram

Hyderabad, Jan 19 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with his family members and Cabinet colleagues, on Monday offered prayers at the tribal shrine of Sammakka-Sarakka at Medaram in Mulugu district.

A day after conducting the Cabinet meeting in Medaram, the first outside Hyderabad, the Chief Minister, along with his family members, participated in various rituals at the tribal shrine.

He also inaugurated development works undertaken by the State government for the famous Medaram Jatra scheduled to begin on January 28.

The Chief Minister unveiled a pylon and sacred platforms (Gaddelu) for the deities.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and ministers accompanied the Chief Minister.

Millions of devotees are expected to participate in the Sammakka-Sarakka Maha Jatara, a biennial event scheduled to be held at Medaram in Mulugu district from January 28 to 31.

Also known as Medaram Jatra, it is considered the most significant tribal festival in Asia.

The State government has allocated Rs 260 crore for this year's 'Jatara' -- Rs 150 crore for event arrangements and Rs 110 crore for permanent temple infrastructure.

The master plan focused on the sacred grounds that house platforms of Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagididdaraju, and Govindaraju, enabling lakhs of devotees to offer prayers conveniently.

At a cultural event at Medaram on Sunday night, the Chief Minister announced that the state government will conduct Medaram Jatara on the lines of Kumbh Mela.

The Chief Minister said that he accomplished the development of Medaram Gaddelu and the tribal shrine with all facilities.

The Chief Minister said the Medaram festival is a historical event which symbolises courage transformed into divinity. It is the biggest tribal festival where people worship deities without a temple.

CM Revanth Reddy remembered brave women Sammakka and Saralamma, who led a revolt against the Kakatiya dynasty. The Chief Minister also recalled that he embarked on 'Padayatra' from Medaram on February 6, 2023, with a resolve to dethrone the BRS government. With the blessings of the goddesses, the 'People's Government' came to power in the State.

"I consider it my good fortune to develop Medaram," the Chief Minister said. He pointed out that the development of the works and stone structures was completed within 100 days before the beginning of the tribal festival.