Law Notify : The historic Medaram Sammakka–Saralamma Maha Jatara, widely known as the Kumbh Mela of Telangana, crossed its first major milestone on Wednesday evening with the arrival of Goddess Saralamma at the sacred Gaddelu. The moment marked the formal beginning of the core rituals of one of the country’s largest tribal festivals.

Goddess Saralamma was brought in a grand traditional procession from Kannepalli to Medaram, amid intense spiritual devotion and age-old customs. The rituals began at the Kannepalli temple, where traditional priests performed ceremonial rites. As per custom, deities from nearby regions, including Govindarajulu from Kondayi, were first welcomed into the village.

After a special two-hour prayer led by chief priest Kaka Sarayya along with other pujaris, the procession set out from Kannepalli around 7 pm. Thousands of devotees thronged the route, dancing to rhythmic drumbeats and chanting prayers as the deity crossed the Jampanna Vagu stream, a deeply symbolic moment of the Jatara.

State Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya, popularly known as Seethakka, District Collector Diwakar T.S., and Government Whip Adluri Laxman offered special prayers during the event. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Minister Seethakka joined local devotees in traditional tribal dances, reflecting the spirit and cultural richness of the Jatara.

The procession reached the Gaddelu at around 12:30 am. Guided by priests, Goddess Saralamma was ceremonially installed on the sacred platform along with Govindarajulu and Pagididda Raju. With this phase completed, focus now shifts to the much-awaited arrival of Goddess Sammakka today, an event expected to draw millions of devotees from across the country.