Medaram is all set for the Medaram Samakka Sarakka Jatara, tribal goddesses. It is the world's largest tribal congregation of any religion attracting on average 1.5 crore pilgrims. 10000 policemen deployed for the Jatara aim to make the Tribal Festival peaceful.
The story foes that Sammakka,daughter of a Koya chieftain was married to Pagididda Raju. Pagidda Raju refused to pay Kappam due to drought to the Kakatiya rulers who attacked the kingdom in retaliation near banks of Sampenga Vagu. Sammakka's husband Pagididda Raju, son Jampanna, daughters&one son in law die in the war, Sammakka vows vengeance against the Kakatiya rulers. Sammakka cursed Kakatiyas to perish. Since she vanished at the same point where she was found as an infant,at that place, the medaram jatara happens for three days bienniially.
Medaram village of Tadvai Mandal normally has just 300 people population & is located in the Eturnagaram sanctuary,inside Jayashankar Bhupalpally district. The Jatara is a official state festival since 1998. In 2020,it will be held from 5th February to 8th February. Devotees come from Maharashtra,Chattisgarh,Madhya Pradesh,Andhra&Telangana.Jampanna Vagu where the devotees take bath is still red which scientists attribute to soil composotion. Jampanna Vagu is named after Sammakka's son.
It is purely a tribal festival with tribal practices&tribal priests only, not vedic influence. There is a motorable road to medaram now.
On the first day, Saralamma, Sammakka's daughter is brought from Kannepalli where she is installed to Sammakka's Platform or Gaddhe though Jampanna Vagu. She is worshipped that day.
On the second day, Samalla arrives to the Medaram Gaddhe from Chilukala Gutta. She is the presiding deity.
On the third day,devotees offer Odi Biyyam and Saare to the goddess. It is the most important day since Jaggery is offered as gold to the Goddesses.
On the fourth day, the goddesses return to the forests& the festival concludes.
