Non-tribals outnumber tribals at Medaram

Warangal: As the Medaram Sammakka Saralamma Jatara approaches, the number of devotees heading towards the historic village is increasing day by day. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices made by the tribal rulers Sammakka and Saralamma, who fought bravely against the mighty Kakatiya rulers opposing an unjust law in the 13th century.

Legend has it that while the tribal king Pagididda Raju and his son Jampanna were killed in the war, the daughter and mother fought bravely and caused colossal damage to the Kakatiya rulers but could not hold on for long against the trained Kakatiya knights. While Saralamma was killed in the battle, Sammakka who was seriously wounded disappeared into the thick jungle on Chilakala Gutta cursing the Kak-atiya dynasty. Soon after, the Kakatiya dynasty came to an end.

Since then, the Koyas, Waddaras and other Indian tribes and castes have been holding this festival in memory of Sammakka and Saralamma.

Even though the jatara is known as a tribal fair, people of non-tribal castes too revere Sammakka and Saralamma and seek their blessings every year. In the past years, the number of non-tribal devotees is outnumbering the tribal devotees at Medaram during the Jatara. Apart from the tribal devotees from the surrounding villages, many from other cities and neighbouring states too visit Medaram. Traditionally, tribals would visit Medaram in bullock carts with family members.