Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Story in English

Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Story in English

 Sammakka Saralamma Jatara or Medaram Jatara is a tribal festival of honouring the goddesses celebrated in the state of Telangana, India. The Jatara begins at Medaram in Tadvai mandal in Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. Jatara is celebrated during the time the goddesses of the tribals are believed to visit them. It is believed that after Kumbha Mela, the Medaram jatara attracts the largest number of devotees in the country. As it is a tribal festival celebrated twice a year at Medaram. People from Telangana, Andhra, Maharastra, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh come to take part in this Jathara.

History of Sammakka Sarakka Jatara "REAL STORY":

According to a tribal story, about 6-7 centuries ago,that is in the 13th century, some tribal leaders who went for a hunting found a new born girl (Sammakka) emitting enormous light playing amidst tigers. She was taken to their habitation . The head of the tribe adopted her and brought up as a chief tain (She later became the saviour of the tribals of the region) she was married to Pagididda Raju a feudatory tribal chief of Kakatiyas(who ruled the country of Andhra from Warangal City between 1000 AD and 1380 AD).She was blessed with 2 daughters and one son namely Sarakka, Nagulamma and Jampanna respectively.

Their region faced a severe drought which dried up their lakes resulting in their head Pagididda Raju (husband of Sammakka) failing to pay their share of tribute to the Kakatiya King Pratapa Rudra. In turn the King Pratapa Rudra sent his army to collect the tribute from tribals. This resulted in a war between the Kakatiyas and tribals. Everyone from Saarakka to Jampanna lost their lives in the battle trying to protect their section.

Upon hearing this, Sammakka too joined the forces and fought valiantly and ransacked the Kakatiya army. Shocked by her bravery, the Kakatiya king visited the tribe for peace talks. Being furious about the loss of her tribe, family and people, Sammakka refused to come to terms and continued to fight. She pledged to her people that as long as she is alive she would protect them. She in turn cursed that the Kakaitya kingdom would perish soon. After being seriously injured in the battle and sending away the Kakatiya army, she walked into the forest towards Chilakala Gutta.

When the tribals went in search for her, they only found a box containing vermillion (Kumkum), few bangles and a pug mark of a tigress. To their surprise this was the exact place where they found as a baby girl in the forest. Since then the tribes have been hosting a festival in her remembrance for her bravery in protecting their tribe.

Medaram Jatara 2018 Dates:

Entry gates to Sammakka and Sarakka alters. Credit: Aravind Devunuru thewire.in

Medaram is a village located at a distance of about 95 Km from Warangal. The village is famous for Sammakka Sarakka Jatara festival held once in every two years. The festival is celebrated to honor the goddess Sammakka and Saralamma by tribal population. It is world’s largest tribal religious congregation. It attracts a huge number of devotees and is known to be the second largest festival of India only after Kumbh Mela, hence it is also known as Kumbh Mela of South. It is a state festival of Government of Telangana State.

• The ‘Sammakka Saralamma’ Jatara, the largest tribal fair of the nation, will be held from January 31, 2018, to February 3, 2018.

Jampanna vagu (Bathing Ghats):

Jampanna vagu is a tributary to river Godavari. According to the history, Jampanna is the tribal warrior and the son of tribal Goddess Sammakka. The Jampanna vagu took his name as he died in a battle fighting against Kakatiyan Army in that stream. The Jampanna vagu is still red in colour marked with the blood of Jampanna (Scientifically the red colour of the water is attributed to the soil composition). Tribal's believe that taking a holy dip in the red water of Jampanna Vagu reminds them the sacrifice of their gods who save them and also induces courage into their souls.

There is a bridge constructed on top of Jampanna Vagu, known as Jampanna Vagu bridge.

How to Reach Medaram Jatara:

Medaram is located at a distance of about 95 Km from Warangal. Earlier it was difficult to reach at Medaram as Bullock cart was the only way to reach here till 1998, but once the state government announced it as an official festival and built a road, It has become quite easy to reach here via road. Although you must be prepared mentally to face the traffic jam of up to 60 Km on the road of Warangal during this time. Buses and private cars are the only means to reach here.

Final Words: This is the Sammakka Sarakka Jatara Story in English.

References:
http://medaram.org/History.html
http://www.warangalonline.in/city-guide/sammakka-sarakka-jatara-in-medaram