The four-day Sammakka-Saralamma Mini Medaram Jathara commenced today in Tadvai mandal, drawing thousands of devotees from across Telangana and the neighbouring States.
Held midway between consecutive biennial Sammakka-Saralamma Medaram Maha jatharas, the mini jathara is a significant tribal festival organized by the Adivasi community.
The celebrations began with the Mandamelige festival, where temple priests performed traditional rituals to cleanse the Gaddhe and invoke divine blessings for the village's well-being. Special pujas were conducted under the full moon.
The Telangana government has allocated Rs 5.30 crore for the festival's arrangements. Security has been tightened, with 1,000 police personnel deployed to ensure a smooth and safe celebration. Authorities have also set up essential facilities, including showers and changing rooms at Jampannavagu, along with drinking water and refreshment stalls.
The event has attracted pilgrims from across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. To facilitate travel, the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation has arranged 200 special buses for devotees visiting the jathara.