Why in News?
The Telangana Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated shrine at Medaram ahead of the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara. The State government reconstructed sacred platforms (gaddelu).
Medaram Maha Jatara:
Medaram Maha Jatara (also known as the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara) is Asia’s largest tribal religious congregation, held biennially in the state of Telangana, India. It commemorates the brave fight of a mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma, against the unjust tax laws of the Kakatiya rulers in the 13th century
- Location: Celebrated in Medaram Village, Tadvai Mandal, Mulugu District, within the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Largest Tribal Festival: One of the largest tribal congregations in the world. Second-largest fair after Kumbh Mela.
- Held once every 2 years (biennial).
- Celebrated mainly by the Koya Tribe
- Main ritual: Offering Bangaram: Devotees offer jaggery (locally called Bangaram or gold) equal to their body weight to the deities.
