Tribal fair begins today in Karimnagar

KARIMNAGAR: All arrangements have been made to conduct the fair of Sammakka and Saralamma, the tribal goddesses, in Karimnagar district from Wednesday. About 20 lakh devotees are likely to descend on the mini-altars from various parts of the district to offer prayers. Those who cannot afford to go on a pilgrimage to Medaram worship the goddesses  at the mini-platforms. According to the authorities, the tribal fair is going to be held at 83 places in Karimnagar district, on the lines of Medaram from Feb. 17 to Feb. 20.

The endowments  department has recognised 42 venues to conduct  the fair by deploying special officers. Committees were formed to organise the jatara in various mandals. It is expected that there would be heavy rush at Rekurthi near Karimnagar, Goliwada in  Godavarikhani, Neerukulla in Sultanabad,  Veenavanka mandal headquarters, Ranganayakamma hillock in Huzurabad mandal, Devakkapalli, Shankarapatnam, Mulukanoor, Kolanur, Kudurupaka villages from tomorrow.

The district authorities made elaborate arrangements at these locations. Drinking water facilities, showers, barricades, medical camps, temporary toilets, lighting system, parking lots and queue lines have been arranged for the convenience of the devotees. Security has also been stepped up on the premises these venues. As many as 2,000 police personnel have been deployed to avoid untoward incidents and to regulate the traffic. CCTV cameras were installed to check offenders. Police pickets were also erected besides patrolling by mobile, general and transit teams at the key venues.