Medaram Maha Jatara Nears: 'Mandamelige Panduga' Kicks Off Forest Deities' Arrival

• The Medaram Maha Jatara, known as Telangana's Kumbh Mela, is scheduled from January 28 to 31, expecting over one crore devotees.
• The 'Mandamelige Panduga' on January 21 marks the first step towards the Jatara, initiating the arrival of the forest deities.
• Adivasi priests perform traditional rituals, cleaning and purifying the abodes of Sammakka and Saralamma in Medaram, Kannapalli, Kondai, and Punugundla.
• The Mandamelige Panduga involves traditional worship, temple decoration, rangoli, and a goat sacrifice, all conducted according to Koya tribal traditions.
• This festival, celebrated with pomp and splendor, paves the way for the main Jatara events, with the government making extensive arrangements for the expected large crowd.

Why It Matters: Medaram Maha Jatara preparations begin with the 'Mandamelige Panduga' on Jan 21, signaling the forest deities' arrival.