Medaram Jathara Begins, Lakhs Throng Venue

The famous tribal festival of Sammakka and Sarakka in Medaram started on a grand note today.

The festival, held once every two years, will continue till February 8.

Lakhs of devotees come to have a "darshan" (glimpse) of the deities every day during the festival. About one and half crore visitors are expected to visit in the four days of the festival.

Several VIPs are expected, too. Endowments Minister Indrakaran Reddy, Panchayat Raj Minister E Dayakar Rao and Tribal Welfare Minister Satyavati Rathod visited the temple on the first day today. They performed special pujas (prayers) to the presiding deities after inspecting the works for the mega event. They also held a review meeting with the organizing officials and asked them to ensure that good facilities were in place and that there was no inconvenience to the visitors.

Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar was personally overseeing the efforts. Along with DGP Mahender Reddy, Kumar made an aerial survey through a helicopter and then visited the Jathara site. He inspected the arrangements made and asked the officials concerned to ensure hassle-free darshan of the presiding deities to the devotees.

"Our priority is uninterrupted power, water supply, neat roads, sanitation, regular upkeep of the premises including the toilets, security, CCTV coverage, police bundobust, clean environment and transportation. All departments are working in effective coordination for a smooth conduct of the festival," he said.