News Excerpt:
Sammakka Saralamma Jathara or Medaram Jathara is a tribal festival honouring the tribal goddesses celebrated in the state of Telangana.
About Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara:
- The festival is said to be Asia’s biggest tribal congregation.
- It is also the second-largest fair in India, after the Kumbh Mela.
- It is celebrated by the Koya tribe of Telangana for four days.
- It takes place once every two years.
- The festival commemorates the fight of a mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma, with the reigning Kakatiya rulers against an unjust levying of taxes on tribals.
Jampanna Vagu:
- Jampanna Vagu is a tributary to River Godavari.
- According to history, Jampanna is the tribal warrior and the son of Tribal Goddess Sammakka.
- 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).
- Tribals believe that taking a holy dip in the red water of Jampanna Vagu during Jathara reminds them of the sacrifice of their gods.