Telangana's Mega Medaram Maha Jathara Begins: Millions Expected at Tribal Festival

• The four-day 'Maha Jathara' of tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma commenced at Medaram, Mulugu district, Telangana.
• Described as one of the world's largest Adivasi spiritual congregations, an estimated three crore devotees are expected to attend.
• Tribal priests installed deities Saralamma, Govindaraju, and Pagididdaraju on Wednesday, with Goddess Sammakka to be installed on January 29.
• Devotees take holy baths in Jampanna Vagu, offer jaggery, and some women experience spiritual possession.
• The state government made elaborate arrangements, spending Rs 101 crore on shrine renovation and Rs 150 crore on devotee facilities, involving 21 departments and 42,000 personnel.

Why It Matters: Telangana's Medaram Maha Jathara, a massive tribal festival, is underway with millions of devotees expected.