Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jatara 2026: Dates, Traditions & Travel Guide

Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jatara (also called Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara) is one of the most significant tribal festivals in India. Held once every two years, it honors the tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, drawing millions of devotees from Telangana and beyond. In 2026, this festival will be celebrated from January 28 to 31. 

 

The Legend & Historical Significance

The Story of Sammakka and Saralamma

• The Jatara is rooted in the folk legend of Sammakka and her daughter Saralamma, revered by the Koya tribal community.

• According to tradition, when the tribal community faced oppressive tax demands from the Kakatiya rulers, Sammakka led a rebellion. Her daughter Saralamma also participated; many perished in the conflict.

• After the battle, Sammakka is believed to have retreated to Chilakalagutta (a hill near Medaram) and merged with nature, while other deities like Govinda Raju and Pagididdaraju are also worshipped during the festival.

This festival thus celebrates tribal resistance, devotion, and the spiritual bond between people and forest.

2026 Jatara: Dates, Schedule and Key Events

Dates & Duration

• Dates: January 28 to January 31, 2026 (4 days)

• Location: Medaram village, Tadvai (Tadwai) Mandal, Mulugu district, Telangana.

• This Jatara is the biennial Maha Jatara, the major festival as opposed to a “mini version” held in intervening years.

Key Rituals & Itinerary

Day	Event	Details
Jan 28	Arrival of Saralamma, Govinda Raju, Pagididdaraju	The idols are brought to the Gadde (altar) at Medaram, typically in the evening, around 6:00 p.m.
Jan 29	Arrival of Sammakka	Goddess Sammakka arrives from Chilakalagutta (hill) to the Gadde at ~6 p.m.
Jan 30	Devotional Offerings & Peak Celebrations	Pilgrims offer Mokkubadulu (vows), particularly offering jaggery (bellam) to the deities in their weight.
Jan 31	Vanapravesham (Return to Forest)	Deities are returned to their forest abodes; rituals conclude with grand farewell.

Other ritual highlights

• Bathing in Jampanna Vaagu (stream) is carried out by devotees during the festival.

• Temple cleaning, Manda Melige, worship with turmeric (pasupu) and vermilion (kumkuma) are part of preparatory rituals. 

Attendance & Significance

• Medaram Jatara is often hailed as Asia’s largest tribal fair and one of India’s largest religious gatherings.

• In recent editions, over 1.3 crore (13 million+) pilgrims have attended, coming from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and more.

• The Koya tribal community (original custodians) now make up a small percentage of attendees but retain essential ritual roles.

Because of its sheer scale and tribal-cultural depth, the festival is both a devotional function and a social-cultural phenomenon.

Infrastructure, Preparations & Government Role

• The Telangana government has prioritized infrastructure upgrading for the 2026 Jatara: roads, drinking water, sanitation, queuing systems, and crowd management.

• A 100-day action plan was ordered by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, emphasizing stone-based structures, improved entry/exit paths, check dams in Jampanna stream, and amenities ahead of the festival.

• There’s political intent to grant the Jatara national festival status, akin to Kumbh Mela, to attract more central funding and recognition.

These efforts reflect how traditional tribal worship is being supported by modern logistics to handle mass participation.

Travel & Accommodation Guide

How to Reach Medaram

• By Road: Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) runs special buses during Jatara from Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, etc.

• By Rail / Air: Nearest major railway and airport hubs are in Warangal / Hyderabad; from there, road transit continues.

• Helicopter Services: Occasionally offered for aerial viewing or to reach remote points.

Accommodation & Camping

• Temporary forest tents, guesthouses, and dormitories are arranged by the temple/department authorities.

• Bookings (for tents, staying spots) open ahead via platforms like medaramjathara.com.

• Facilities such as toilets, water, medical camps, lighting, and sanitation are deployed across the festival area.

Pro tip: Arrive early (a day before) to avoid last-minute crowds, and carry light bedding, water bottles, first aid, and rain protection (depending on weather).

Tips for Devotees & Pilgrims

1. Dress modestly & comfortably — the terrain is forested, paths may be rugged.

2. Stay hydrated and carry snacks — food and water stalls will be heavy-use zones.

3. Respect tribal customs — remember many rituals are officiated by Koya tribal priests.

4. Follow official guidance — route maps, queueing zones, police instructions, safety announcements.

5. Do not damage flora or litter — the festival occurs within forested area and wildlife zone.

6. Battery, power backups, portable chargers — electricity disruptions may happen.

7. Health and medical camps are set up; carry basic medicines.

Why This Festival Matters

• Cultural Preservation: It honors tribal heritage, legends, and folk traditions that might otherwise be marginalized.

• Social Unity: Draws people from multiple states, bridging tribal and non-tribal communities.

• Symbol of Resistance & Identity: The story of Sammakka and Saralamma symbolizes defiance when local people asserted rights over land and forest.

• Economic & Tourism Impact: The region sees economic boost from pilgrim inflow, and the state invests in lasting infrastructure. 

Conclusion

The Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jatara 2026 is poised to be a grand convergence of faith, culture, and tribal identity. From the solemn arrival of deities to the fervent offerings of millions, it weaves myth and devotion into a living tradition. For devotees and cultural enthusiasts alike, the Jatara is not just a festival—it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of Telangana’s tribal legacy. With improved infrastructure, strong cultural pride, and broad participation, the 2026 edition promises to be both spiritually uplifting and logistically smoother. 

Latest Updates of Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jatara 2026:

Medaram Development Works: Key Upgrades Ahead of Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara

The Telangana government is fast-tracking major infrastructure works at Sri Sammakka–Saralamma Temple, Medaram, aiming to complete everything by December 20 ahead of Asia’s largest tribal festival. Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Konda Surekha, Seethakka, and Adluri Laxman Kumar reviewed ongoing works and stressed quality, eco-friendly development, and devotee safety. 

What’s Being Upgraded?

• Civil, road, arch, watchtower & greenery works on priority

• Gaddelu capacity increased from 3,000 to 10,000 devotees

• 19-acre land acquisition and new bus station underway

• Check dams on Jampanna Vagu for water regulation

• Plans for permanent amenities & beautification

Officials also emphasized women-friendly measures, sanitation, drinking water supply, and employment for tribal artisans and youth. The upgrades aim to enhance comfort for millions of devotees while preserving the sacred forest ecosystem.