Sammakka Saralamma Jatara: A Grand Tribal Festival in Telangana
Health Advisory for Devotees
Medaram Jatara also called as Sammakka Saralamma Jatara is one of the most extensive tribal fairs and festivals in Telangana state in India. This is a religious festival celebrated biennially in memory of mother and daughter – Sammakka and Saralamma – who fought a brave battle against the Kakatiya rulers of the 12th century. It was as a result of oppressive taxes that were levied on the tribal people during a bad year of droughts. To express their gratitude to these liberators, Koya community built a temple in their honour.
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara: Significance and Historical Background
Medaram, a village in the district of Mulugu of the state of Telangana, stands in thecentre of this mega event. The festival draws a single crore devotees that make the event one of the biggest congregations witnessed in any part of the world. During the ’Jatara, the devotees pray as ’Bangaram,’ which is nothing but pure jaggery, to the presiding gods or goddesses. That is so because the population of the participants totals millions of people, and such a large-scale festival becomes an essential component of cultural life in Telangana.
Location and Scale of the Festival
Jatara starts with the arrival of the deities on the bodiless vehicle from the forest to Medaram and a particular spot. This is done to signify the beginning of the festival, and which normally spans for about 10-12 days. Religious belief that is witnessed during this time is conventional and gives a glimpse of how Koya tribe immensely holds the religious beliefs.
Commencement and Duration of Sammakka Saralamma Jatara
The Jatara starts by the arrival of these deities from the forest to a specific area in Medaram. This is the beginning of the festival, which is observed for 10 to 12 days usually and ends with the Geon Hindu’s festival. That is why rituals that take place during this period are also traditional for Koya tribe and are associated with their ancient beliefs.
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara in English: Understanding the Festival
In English, the deepest meaning of Sammakka Saralamma Jatara is considered to be as a tribal festival celebrates the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma. Festival held in Telangana it is one of the biggest tribal festival in the whole world where million of people pay their homage to god and join the ritual.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Holidays in Telangana
The Telangana festivals are – Sammakka Sarakka Jatara The above mentioned festivals of Telangana are celebrated in the state as public holidays.
Due to the importance of this festival the Telangana government sometimes declares holidays during the Jatara. This way people of this state get to embrace this festivals without any restrictions and the culture and religion of the people is adhered to.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara: Celebrated in the Month of Magha
It is normally celebrated in the month of Magha, which falls in the January February of the Julian calendar. This is esteemed to be lucky time and the festival is closely associated with lunar calendar of the Koya tribe.
The Historical Context: Sammakka Sarakka Jatara History
It is a narration of the history of Sammakka Saralamma Jatara and dated back up to the period of Kakatiya rulers. Sammakka and her daughter Saralamma are the goddesses of valor and martyrdom. This festivals depicts their struggle and fight to shield their tribe from the rigid authority of the rulers and their bravery is highlighted in the festival.
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara at Medaram: The Heart of the Celebration
The ‘Jatara’ is celebrated in Medaram village which is in Tadvai Mandal of Mulugu district, Andhra Pradesh. It becomes a place of pilgrimage for the whole country during the festive occasions which are conducted in praise of Sammakka and Saralamma.
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara and UPSC: An Important Cultural Event
So, for those reading out here preparing for UPSC and other competitive examinations, it may be useful to know that the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara is one of the biggest tribal festivals in India. It describes the cultural face and history of the Koya tribe and so forms part of the important cultural and historical studies in India.
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Story: The Legend Behind the Festival
This paper aims at explaining the origin of the festival and how it came to be as well as exploring the historical background of why the festival is celebrated today.
The festival revolves around the epic of Sammakka and Saralamma . This legend depicts that, being a great warrior, she revolted against the Kakatiya dynasty for the famine struck people for their right cause. Saralamma, her daughter was also acted as active key role in this type of resistance. These heroes are experience every two years during the Jatara with ample appreciation given to the sacrifices and courage of these people.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Matter in Hindi and Telugu
In Hindi, the festival is known as सम्मक्का सरलम्मा जथारा, while in Telugu, it is referred to as సమ్మక్క సారలమ్మ జాతర. Both languages emphasize the cultural significance of the festival and its deep-rooted connection to the tribal traditions of Telangana.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara in Hyderabad: A City’s Connection
While the important and popular annual fair is held at Medaram the site is rather closely associated with Hyderabad. People of Hyderabad also visit this place during the festival of Medaram Jatara proving that the festival holds a significant place in the hearts of all Telangana residents.
Sammakka Sarakka Medaram Jatara Patalu: Devotional Songs of the Festival
As part of the Jatara, Patalu, devotional songs are sung in honour of Sammakka and Saralamma. These songs deal with the myths surrounding the gods and form part of the process and rituals of the feast thus deepening the spiritual dimension of the festival.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Warangal
Though the Jatara is held in Medaram village, it has strong associations with the Warangal region. Warangal’s historical connection to the Kakatiya dynasty adds to the significance of the festival, as it was during this dynasty’s reign that Sammakka and Saralamma became legendary figures.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Matter in Telugu
సమ్మక్క సారలమ్మ జాతర, లేదా మేడారం జాతర, తెలంగాణలో జరిగే అత్యంత ప్రాచీనమైన గిరిజన పండుగలలో ఒకటి. ఈ పండుగ ప్రతి రెండు సంవత్సరాలకు ఒకసారి జనవరి లేదా ఫిబ్రవరి నెలలో జరుపబడుతుంది.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Hyderabad
While the main celebrations occur in Medaram, many devotees from Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana make the pilgrimage to participate in the Jatara. Special transportation services are often arranged to accommodate the large number of pilgrims traveling from the city.
How Many Days Does Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Last?
The festival lasts for four days and as it is the case with many, it is celebrated with enthusiasm and the actual won is followed by rituals and ceremonies. The length of the Jatara gives the devotees enough time to abandon themselves to the religious rituals as well as get a chance to worship the gods and goddesses.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Address: Medaram, Mulugu District
The festival is celebrated in Medaram village which is in Tadvai Mandal of Mulugu District in the state of Telangana. Jatara being an annual event a large crowd of devotees from all over the country descends on the village for participating in the rituals.
Conclusion
Therefore, it can be said that Sammakka Saralamma Jatara is not merely a festival but it is an assertion of identiy, protest, and worship. Sammakka and Saralamma’s stories help inspire millions up till now and that makes this get-together a great component of Telangana’s ethnic character.