Hyderabad: On Wednesday, Endowments Minister Konda Surekha announced plans to host the Sammakka Sarakka Jatara on a larger scale than before.
Minister Surekha, along with Panchayat Raj Minister Dhanasri Anasuya (Seethakka) and Minority Affairs Minister Adluri Lakshman, reviewed a master plan for the festival. This plan was created by experts who organized the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh. The ministers emphasized the importance of showcasing the Sammakka-Sarakka deities, which represent Telangana’s pride, to the global audience. Officials shared that the management of this plan is in the hands of the experienced Kumbh Mela organizers. The ministers evaluated the new design for the Medaram temple area, based on input from the Sammakka Saralamma priests. They provided feedback on design adjustments and urged timely completion of maintenance tasks ahead of the Maha Medaram Jatara. The modernization efforts will align with the priests’ recommendations.
Priests highlighted the need to increase the shrine heights and modify the designs accordingly. They stressed the importance of learning from past fairs to improve arrangements. Appointing volunteers to assist devotees during the festival was also suggested. Enhancing the surroundings of Medaram to reflect tribal traditions was another key point.
For this year’s Maha Medaram Jatara, the government has allocated an unprecedented Rs 150 crore. The overall master plan, totaling Rs 236.2 crore, includes Rs 58.2 crore for pedestal development, Rs 6.8 crore for pedestal artwork, Rs 39 crore for improving Jampanna Vagu, Rs 50 crore for accommodating devotees, and Rs 52.5 crore for other needs.
