Medaram Jatara 2026: Dates, History & Travel Guide

Medaram Jatara 2026, also known as Sammakka Sarakka Jatara 2026, will be held from January 28 to January 31, 2026, at Medaram Village, Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu District, Telangana. It is one of the largest tribal religious gatherings in India, drawing crores of devotees from across the country and abroad.

Celebrated strictly according to Koya tribal traditions, this four-day jatara honors the forest goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, symbolizing tribal resistance, women leadership, and nature worship.

Medaram Jatara 2026 – Official Dates

The Telangana government has officially announced the dates for Sammakka Sarakka Jatara 2026:

• 28 January 2026 (Wednesday)

• 29 January 2026 (Thursday)

• 30 January 2026 (Friday)

• 31 January 2026 (Saturday)

These four days mark the most sacred period of the jatara, aligned with ancient tribal lunar traditions.

Important Ritual Days

• 28 January 2026: Arrival of Saralamma at the sacred altar

• 29 January 2026: Grand arrival of Sammakka from the forest

• 30 January 2026: Main worship, offerings, and peak footfall

• 31 January 2026: Vanapravesham, the symbolic return of the goddesses to the forest

History of Sammakka Sarakka Jatara

The origins of the Medaram Jatara date back more than 800 years, during the rule of the Kakatiya dynasty.

Sammakka was a fearless tribal leader who resisted unjust taxation imposed on forest communities. Along with her daughter Saralamma, she led a rebellion to protect tribal dignity and rights. Rather than surrender, Sammakka is believed to have disappeared into the forest, attaining divine status.

Over generations, tribal communities began worshipping Sammakka and Saralamma as forest goddesses, making this jatara a rare blend of history, resistance, and spirituality.

A Festival Without Temples

One of the most distinctive features of Medaram Jatara 2026 is its unique form of worship:

• No temples or stone idols

• Goddesses represented by bamboo sticks (bottelu)

• Worship conducted under trees

• No Sanskrit mantras or formal priesthood

• Rituals strictly follow tribal customs

This reflects the belief that nature itself is sacred.

Gampan Vagu Holy Dip

The holy dip in Gampan Vagu, a seasonal forest stream near Medaram, is an essential ritual of Sammakka Sarakka Jatara 2026. Devotees believe that bathing in the stream purifies the body and soul before darshan, as it is spiritually blessed by Sammakka and Saralamma.

Taking the dip is believed to cleanse sins, promote healing, and renew faith. During peak days, especially 29 and 30 January, devotees are advised to exercise caution due to heavy crowds.

Offerings and Devotee Beliefs

Common offerings at Medaram Jatara include:

• Jaggery (Bellam) for prosperity

• Turmeric and vermilion for purity and protection

• Coconuts, sarees, and bangles

Devotees believe the goddesses bless them with good health, children, agricultural prosperity, justice, and protection from harm. Many devotees walk barefoot for several kilometers as an expression of faith and gratitude.

Who Attends Medaram Jatara

Originally celebrated by tribal communities such as the Koya, Gond, Lambada, and Chenchu, the jatara today attracts devotees from:

• Telangana

• Andhra Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

• Maharashtra

• Odisha

Scholars, cultural researchers, and international visitors also attend, making it a globally recognized tribal festival.

Cultural Significance

• Larger footfall than the Kumbh Mela during peak days

• One of the few major festivals centered on women deities

• Celebrated without temples, scriptures, or priestly dominance

• A living symbol of indigenous faith and resistance

Why Medaram Jatara 2026 Is Special

The Medaram Jatara held from 28 to 31 January 2026 is not merely a religious event. It represents:

• Tribal bravery and historical resistance

• Women-led leadership in indigenous culture

• A spiritual relationship between humans and forests

• The cultural identity of Telangana

Government Arrangements for Medaram Jatara 2026

The Telangana government treats Medaram Jatara as a state festival and provides extensive facilities, including:

• Special RTC bus services

• Temporary roads and bridges

• Medical camps and mobile hospitals

• Drinking water and sanitation facilities

• CCTV surveillance, drones, and crowd management systems

Accommodation Near Medaram

Government Accommodation

Haritha Hotel – Medaram
Located close to the jatara site, this government-run facility has very limited rooms. Availability is extremely restricted and often prioritized for officials and staff on duty.

Haritha Hotel – Mulugu
Situated approximately 25 kilometers from Medaram, this is the best government accommodation option for general devotees, offering better infrastructure and amenities. Early booking is essential.

There are no other government guest houses near Medaram.

Private Accommodation

Temporary private lodges and homestays operate during the jatara period. Facilities are generally basic, and cleanliness and hot water availability vary. These options are suitable mainly for short stays.

Devotees are advised to confirm western toilet availability, hot water facilities, and bedding arrangements before booking.

Best Stay Option for Comfort

For better hygiene, comfort, and family-friendly facilities, staying in Warangal or Hanamkonda is highly recommended. These cities offer a wide range of private hotels with western toilets, round-the-clock hot water, and reliable services. Many devotees commute daily from these cities to Medaram during the jatara.

How to Reach Medaram

• By Road: Special buses operate from Hyderabad, Warangal, and Karimnagar

• By Train: Nearest railway station is Warangal

• By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, followed by road travel

Heavy traffic is expected between 27 and 31 January 2026, and early planning is strongly advised.

Do’s and Don’ts for Medaram Jatara 2026

Do’s

• Plan travel and accommodation well in advance

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear

• Carry drinking water, ORS, and basic medicines

• Follow police and government instructions

• Respect tribal customs and forest regulations

Don’ts

• Do not litter plastic or waste in forest areas

• Avoid pushing or rushing during darshan

• Do not consume alcohol near sacred zones

• Avoid night travel through forest routes

• Do not ignore health issues; use medical facilities when needed

Medaram Jatara 2026 is a powerful reminder of tribal heritage, women-led resistance, and harmony with nature. Devotees are encouraged to participate responsibly and honor the sacred traditions of this historic festival.