40 lakh devotees are expected on the first day alone, and elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that they do not face any inconvenience.
The Medaram fair, held once every two years on the occasion of Magha Purnami and attracting crores of devotees, has gained greater significance this time due to extensive renovation works.
Unlike in the past, when temporary facilities were arranged for each festival, the shrines have now been completely reconstructed with stone structures designed to last for hundreds of years.
The government undertook these works in accordance with tribal customs, with the full approval of tribal elders and the priests' association.
Of the total expenditure, Rs 101 crore were spent on the expansion of the shrines alone. The shrine premises have been built like historical monuments using about 4,000 tons of granite. The main attractions include a 271-square-metre prakaram with 46 pillars, a circular gadde with eight pillars, and a 50-foot-wide main welcome arch.
Tribal culture, customs, lifestyle, and the history of the Koya clan have been represented as sculptures on 32 granite pillars being constructed around the Medaram gadde. These sculptures, based on 930-year-old Koyala palm-leaf texts, are a special attraction. About 750 Koya family names and more than 7,000 sculptures have been designed to educate future generations about tribal history. Figures of Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagiddidda Raju, Govindaraju and Jampanna, along with replicas of wild animals including tigers, deer, elephants and peacocks - reflecting the tribal life lived in harmony with nature - have been carved.
Officials expect 30 to 40 lakh devotees on the first day alone. Accordingly, elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure devotees do not face any inconvenience. Keeping the heavy rush of devotees in mind, roads have been widened from 60 feet to four lanes, and queue lines, watchtowers and inns have been set up. Parking arrangements have been made across 1,418 acres at 42 locations to avoid congestion.
A total of 42,027 officers and staff from 21 departments are on duty. The fair area has been divided into eight zones and 42 sectors, with special officers appointed for each. Walkie-talkies have been provided in all sectors to ensure seamless coordination.
For medical services, 108 ambulances, bike ambulances and medical camps have been deployed. Medical assistance will be provided round the clock through the hospital set up at the Kalyana Mandapam, with specialised doctors and adequate medicines available. Firefighters, SDRF teams and swimmers have been deployed at Jampanna Vagu to ensure the devotees' safety.
The district administration is showcasing Medaram-related information through digital platforms. The government has launched the Medaram Jathara 2026 mobile app, an official website, and the 'My Medaram' WhatsApp chatbot. These digital platforms provide complete information on parking, medical camps, toilets, SOS services and missing persons with a single click.
In line with the tribal philosophy that the forest is the temple and nature is the goddess, the government has taken several steps to organise a plastic-free Medaram this time.
Th 2026 Maha Jathara dates:
- January 28: Entry of Saralamma, Govindaraju and Pagiddaraja into the shrine
- January 29: Entry of Sammakka from Chilakalagutta
- January 30: Devotees prayers
- January 31: Conclusion of the festival with Vanapravesh