Medaram Jatara 2026: History, Dates, Rituals & Complete Travel Guide

Medaram Jatara is one of India’s most powerful spiritual gatherings, drawing crores of devotees to the forests of Telangana. Dedicated to the tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, this biennial festival blends faith, history, and indigenous culture on a massive scale. If you’re planning to visit in 2026—or want a complete understanding—this SEO-friendly guide covers everything you need.

Where is Medaram Jatara Celebrated?

Medaram Jatara is held at Sammakka Saralamma Temple, nestled deep inside forest land. The setting itself is sacred—open-air shrines, streams, and ancient trees form the ritual landscape.

Medaram Jatara 2026 Dates

January 28, 2026 (Wednesday)  > to January 31, 2026 (Saturday)

This is a four-day tribal festival celebrated biennially at Medaram village in Mulugu district, Telangana.

Key Highlights During These Dates

• Jan 28, 2026: Festival begins; Saralamma, Govinda Raju & Pagididda Raju are brought to the sacred Gadde.
• Jan 29, 2026: Sammakka Thalli arrives, marking one of the most important ritual moments.
• Jan 30, 2026: Main day of devotees offering jaggery (Bangaram) and prayers. 
• Jan 31, 2026: Festival concludes with the deities’ vanapravēsham (return to the forest).

History of Medaram Jatara

Medaram Jatara is a sacred tribal festival rooted in heroism, sacrifice, and indigenous faith, celebrated for over 800 years in the forests of Telangana. It honors the tribal mother goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, revered by the Koya tribe and millions of devotees today.

Origins of Medaram Jatara

The festival is associated with the Koya Tribe, an ancient tribal community inhabiting the Godavari forest region.

• Sammakka was born into a tribal family and later became a powerful leader.

• She married a Koya chieftain and emerged as a protector of tribal people.

• Her daughter Saralamma followed her path of courage and resistance.

The jatara is believed to have begun after their martyrdom, making it one of the oldest surviving tribal traditions in India.

The Legendary Battle & Sacrifice

According to oral history:

• A regional ruler imposed heavy taxes on tribal communities.

• Sammakka refused to submit to injustice and led a rebellion.

• Sammakka and Saralamma fought bravely but sacrificed their lives in battle.

• It is believed they merged with nature, becoming divine forest spirits.

This act transformed them into symbols of resistance, justice, and motherly protection.

Unique Form of Worship

Medaram Jatara is unique because:

• No idols are worshipped.

• Deities are symbolized by sacred bamboo poles (Kumkum Bharina Chekkalu).

• Devotees offer Bangaram (jaggery) instead of gold.

• Worship takes place under trees and open skies, not inside temples.

This highlights the tribal belief that nature itself is divine.

Biennial Tradition

Medaram Jatara is celebrated once every two years.

Held during Magha Pournami (full moon period).

Millions gather over four days, making it one of the largest human congregations on Earth.

How to Reach Medaram

Medaram is located in Mulugu district, Telangana, deep inside forest land. During the Jatara, the Telangana government arranges extensive transport facilities. Here’s the complete, SEO-friendly travel guide by road, train, and air.

Location

Festival venue: Sammakka Saralamma Temple

Nearest town: Mulugu

How to Reach Medaram by Road (Best Option)

Road travel is the most convenient and popular way to reach Medaram, especially during Jatara days.

From Hyderabad → Medaram (≈250 km | 6–7 hrs)

Route:
Hyderabad → Warangal → Mulugu → Medaram

• Frequent TSRTC special buses

• Private taxis & self-drive cars available

• Roads are well managed during the festival

From Warangal → Medaram (≈120 km | 3 hrs)

• Direct buses & jeeps available

• Warangal acts as the main transit hub

How to Reach Medaram by Train

There is no direct railway station at Medaram.

Nearest Railway Stations:

• Warangal Railway Station – ~120 km

• Kazipet Railway Station – ~110 km

From these stations:

• Board TSRTC buses

• Hire taxis or shared jeeps to Mulugu → Medaram

How to Reach Medaram by Air

Nearest Airport:

• Rajiv Gandhi International Airport – ~250 km

From the airport:

• Taxi or bus to Hyderabad MGBS
• TSRTC bus to Warangal/Mulugu
• Continue to Medaram via shuttle buses