Sammakka and Sarakka are figures from a 13th-century tribal legend in Telangana, India. According to the legend, Sammakka was a newborn girl found by tribal leaders during a hunting expedition. She was adopted by the chief and raised as a leader. Sammakka later married the leader of a neighboring tribal group and had a daughter named Sarakka. Together, they protested against the taxes imposed by the Kakatiya kings on the tribes.
Medaram Jathara Festival
In honor of Sammakka and Sarakka, the Medaram Jathara festival is held in Medaram in Tadvai Mandal, Warangal district. This festival commemorates their fight against unjust laws. It is believed to attract the largest number of devotees in the country after the Kumbha Mela. In 2024, the Jathara was held from February 21–24.
The festival is known for witnessing one of the largest human gatherings in the world. People offer Bellam (jaggery), locally called Bangaram, to the deities. The rituals related to the Goddesses are entirely performed by the Koya Tribe priests, in accordance with Koya customs and traditions.
The Medaram Jathara festival has grown significantly over the years. Until 1955, about 2,000 people used to visit Medaram, of whom the majority belonged to the Koya tribe. But now a large number of non-Koya pilgrims visit Medaram, and the Koya people comprise only 2% of the total worshippers.
The story of Sammakka and Sarakka and the Medaram Jathara festival highlight the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the tribal communities in India. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice.
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