SAMMAKKA-SARAKKA MEDARAM JATHARA

Why in News?                                                                                                        

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended greetings on the start of the Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara, one of the largest tribal festivals. Shri Modi also paid tributes to Sammakka-Sarakka and recalled the spirit of unity and valour they personify.

What is Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara?

• It is a tribal festival of honouring the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma celebrated in the state of Telangana, India.
• It is Asia’s largest tribal fair
• The Jathara was designated as a State Festival in 1996, owing to the festival’s popularity and auspicious importance.   
• It commemorates the fight of a mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma, with the reigning rulers against an unjust law.
• It is celebrated once in two years in the month of “Magha” (February) on the full moon day.
• It is the second-largest fair of India, after the Kumbh Mela, celebrated by the second-largest Tribal Community of Telangana- the Koya tribe for four days.
• It is a festival with no vedic or Brahmanic influence.
• At present, the Jathara festival is biennially celebrated and organized by the Koyas in collaboration with the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana.