Samakka Sarakka Jathara, also called Medaram Jathara, is a biannual tribal festival in Telangana that has grown into one of India’s largest pilgrimages. Held every two years at Medaram village in Tadvai Mandal, deep in the forests of Mulugu district, it draws millions of devotees from across Telangana and neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
During the festival, Medaram’s population skyrockets from fewer than 300 villagers to over 3.5 million pilgrims. The festival honors the heroic Koya tribal queen Samakka and her daughter Sarakka, who resisted the Kakatiya rulers from Warangal (1000–1380 A.D.). Today, devotees from diverse backgrounds come to pay homage, inspired by their courage and sacrifice.
Historical Significance
The Telangana region has long celebrated the legacy of Sammakka and Sarakka as symbols of defiance and resilience. Their heroism inspired people’s movements against oppressive forces including the Razakars of the Nizam era, farmers’ uprisings, and the Telangana People’s War. Tribals and non-tribals alike revere them as goddesses, and many name their children Sammakka, Sarakka, or Jampanna in their honor.
Legend narrates that Samakka was a Koya tribal girl raised among tigers, later married to the headman of a neighboring village. Her daughter Saralama was also renowned for her valor and kindness. When Kakatiya king Pratapa Rudra II attempted to extend his empire into the region, Samakka and her people resisted taxation and invasion. Despite losing many warriors, she refused to surrender or accept the king’s offer to join his harem, continuing the fight until she was mortally wounded. Before fleeing, she invoked the forest elements, cursing the dynasty if they oppressed the innocent Koyas. Her actions eventually led to the downfall of the Warangal dynasty.
Rituals and Pilgrimage
During the festival, priests ceremoniously carry the ochre box and ceremonial standards of Samakka to the base of a tree representing her daughter Sarakka and other Koya warriors. Pilgrims trek to Jampana Vaagu, a nearby river named after Samakka’s son, to perform ritual baths. Childless women participate in fertility rites, while children may receive their first ceremonial haircut.
The festival features tribal customs interwoven with ancient matriarchal elements: men sometimes dress as women, and some women display ritual possession. The Koya oracle forecasts the community’s future. Offerings have evolved from cocks and sheep to coconuts and jaggery.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its religious importance, Medaram Jathara celebrates tribal heritage, bravery, and community solidarity. It is a living testimony to the Koya people’s resilience, and the stories of Samakka and Sarakka continue to inspire generations. Modern pilgrimages blend ritual with tourism, drawing academics, historians, and photographers interested in tribal culture, rituals, and traditions.
Travel and Accessibility
- Location: Medaram village, Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu District, Telangana.
- Distance from Major Cities: ~100 km from Mulugu district headquarters; 270 km from Hyderabad.
- Travel Options: Accessible by road. Pilgrims often take state buses or private vehicles from Warangal, Hyderabad, and Bhadrachalam. Due to forested terrain, local guides are often required for certain treks to ritual sites within Medaram.
- Accommodation: Temporary shelters and tents are set up during the festival. Lodges are available in Mulugu and nearby towns.
- Best Time to Visit: February (every two years) when the festival occurs. Pilgrims are advised to prepare for large crowds and basic facilities.
Attendance & Government Support
Over 5 lakh pilgrims, mostly tribal but increasingly non-tribal, attend every festival. The Government of Telangana has recognized it as a state festival, providing logistical support, safety measures, and sanitation facilities. The festival also supports local tribal economies through handicrafts, food, and transport services.
Legendary Stories
According to folklore, Samakka’s bravery brought bountiful harvests and prosperity to her people. A tiger goddess, central to Koya beliefs, is linked to her origin story. The legend emphasizes the harmony between nature, tribal societies, and divine intervention. Trees dedicated to the Koya martyrs remain protected, where devotees offer prayers, jaggery, and coconuts.