In a significant display of cultural reverence, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy visited the revered Sammakka-Saralamma tribal temple in Medaram, Mulugu district, on Monday. Accompanied by family members and key cabinet colleagues, the CM participated in traditional rituals at this iconic site.
This visit came just a day after the state cabinet held its first-ever meeting outside Hyderabad at Medaram, underscoring the government’s commitment to tribal heritage. Reddy unveiled development projects funded by the state ahead of the grand Medaram Jatara, scheduled from January 28 to 31. Among the inaugurations was a pillar dedicated to the deities and a sacred platform known as Gaddelu.
Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and several ministers joined the Chief Minister in these proceedings. The biennial festival, Asia’s largest tribal congregation, is expected to draw millions of devotees. The state has allocated a whopping Rs 260 crore this year, with Rs 150 crore for event arrangements and Rs 110 crore for permanent infrastructure at the temple.
The master plan focuses on holy sites housing platforms for Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagididda Raju, and Govindaraju, ensuring smooth access for the massive crowds. Speaking at a cultural program the previous night, Reddy announced plans to organize the Jatara on the scale of the Kumbh Mela, complete with world-class facilities.
‘We have transformed Medaram into a fully developed tribal pilgrimage site,’ the CM declared. He highlighted the festival’s historical essence, symbolizing the deification of courage, where devotees worship gods without traditional temple structures. Reddy paid homage to the brave sisters Sammakka and Saralamma, who led a rebellion against the Kakatiya rulers.
Reflecting on his political journey, the Chief Minister recalled launching a padayatra from Medaram on February 6, 2023, vowing to oust the previous BRS government. ‘With the blessings of these deities, the people’s government came to power,’ he said. Reddy expressed pride in completing all development works 100 days ahead of schedule, calling it his fortune to develop Medaram.