Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara is the Maha Kumbh of Tribals: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram

On the occasion of the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Shri Jual Oram, along with Union Minister for Coal & Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy, visited the Medaram shrine and offered prayers to Sammakka and Saralamma. State Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) and Adluri Laxman Kumar accorded a warm welcome to the Union Ministers at the main temple entrance. Amid traditional tribal drum beats, the Ministers were escorted into the temple, where special rituals were performed. They later offered niluvethu bangaram (gold offering) to the presiding deities and fulfilled their vows. Addressing the media later, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said that the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara is the largest tribal festival in the country and stands as the Maha Kumbh of tribal communities. He recalled visiting Medaram nearly 20 years ago and said he was pleased to be back again on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He stated that the Government of India is extending full support for the development of the region. Along with assistance for smooth conduct of the Jatara, special trains have been arranged for the convenience of devotees. He also noted that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is an old colleague, recalling their association in Parliament.

Highlighting Central Government initiatives for tribal welfare, Shri Jual Oram said:

•          ₹1 lakh crore has been allocated under the Dharati Aaba Tribal Village Development Abhiyan

•          ₹24,000 crore is being spent under the PM JANMAN scheme

•          23 Ekalavya Model Residential Schools have been sanctioned for Telangana

He recalled that a separate Ministry for Tribal Affairs was created during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and that he had the privilege of serving as its first Cabinet Minister. He emphasised that the Union Government honours the legacy and sacrifices of great tribal leaders like Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and accords due respect to festivals such as Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara is the biggest festival of tribal communities, drawing lakhs of devotees from various states for nearly a month. He thanked State Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Seethakka and Adluri Laxman Kumar, along with officials, for their coordination and arrangements.

He said the Centre and State Governments are jointly undertaking development works in the region, including:

•       ₹80 crore for tourism development at Mulugu, Laknavaram, Medaram, Tadvai and Bogatha Waterfalls

•       ₹140 crore for development of the Ramappa Temple

•       ₹3.70 crore for Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara arrangements this year

He further informed that a Central Tribal University named after Sammakka–Saralamma, with an outlay of ₹890 crore, is being established and works have already begun. The project will be formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister in due course.

The Union Ministers appreciated the efforts of the Telangana Government in providing basic facilities for the lakhs of devotees visiting the Jatara and thanked officials and media representatives for their dedicated services.

-Press note