Warangal, January 23: The Martyrdom of Sammakka and Saralamma has left an indelible mark on the tribals in Medaram, a tiny village in the Tadwai reserve forest. The tribals believe that the spirits of these two women visit Medaram once in two years to shower their choicest blessings.All roads led to Medaram village in the district during the four-day tribal jatara that begins on January 27th.
It was an occasion for offering worship to Sammakka and Saralamma and a time to rejoice. Medaram, a tiny tribal village tucked away in the thick Tadwai reserve forest, about 110 km from Warangal town, transformed itself into a pilgrim centre when tribals and others from far and near throng the place. They come by buses, private carriages and bullock carts while some others come on foot.Over 2500 shopkeepers set up makeshift stalls while a small circus pitched its tent to cash in on the merry tribals.
The outnumbering non-tribals were on a spending spree. They slept in the open for two nights as long as the pujas lasted. The jatara performed in memory of the tribal martyrs Sammakka and Saralamma, used to be a tribal affair but, of late, has been attracting more non-tribals of the neighbouring district and states. This year, an estimated 80 lakh pilgrims, including tribals from Maharashtra. Chattisgadh+Madhya Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh witnessed the festival.