Govt. sanctions ₹150 crore for Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara 2026

The State government has sanctioned ₹150 crore for the conduct of the Sammakka-Sarakka (Saralamma) Medaram Maha Jatara, scheduled to be held from January 28 to 31, 2026, in Mulugu district. The Tribal Welfare department issued orders (G.O.Rt.No.239 dated August 19, 2025) releasing the funds from the 2025–26 budget estimates under the head ‘Works under Medaram Jatara’.

The funds will be utilised for infrastructure development, including roads, permanent structures, drinking water supply, electricity and sanitation.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka), who represents the Mulugu Assembly constituency, expressed gratitude to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Tribal Welfare Minister Adluru Laxman Kumar for approving the funds.

“This decision is a symbol of respect for the tribal community. The sanction of ₹150 crore reflects the commitment of the government towards tribals. This year’s Jatara will be held on a grander and historic scale,” Minister Seethakka said.

Held once every two years at Medaram in SS Tadvai mandal in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara also known as ‘Kumbh Mela of the South’ attracts millions of devotees, mainly tribals from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Odisha. The government allocates special funds to manage infrastructure, health services, drinking water, sanitation and crowd management during the festival.