Introduction to Medaram Jatara 2024 UPSC

World’s largest tribal festival is about to take place in Telangana’s Medaram village which is situated in district of Mulugu. This festival has both religious and cultural significance.

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Why Medaram Jatara is in News? – UPSC Current Affairs

The Medaram Jatara is in the news due to its upcoming occurrence from February 21 to 24, 2024. This tribal festival, held biennially in Telangana, commemorates a 12th-century revolt against taxes imposed by the Kakatiya rulers during a drought.

What is Meaning of ‘Medaram Jatara’?

There has been two words used ‘Medaram’ & ‘Jatara’.

What is Medaram Jatara? – Madaram Jatara UPSC

We can understand this biggest tribal festival of the world  in few points-

What is this festival?

The Medaram Jatara, also known as Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, is a major tribal religious festival held every two years in Telangana, India. Often considered the largest tribal religious gathering in the world, it draws millions of devotees to the small village of Medaram.

Why Celebrate?

The festival honors the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, local legendry Leder / Hero /  who fought against injustice and oppression. It celebrates their courage, connection to nature, and their enduring role as protectors of tribal communities.

Celebration Time

The Jatara happens every two years, with the next one taking place from February 21st to 24th, 2024.

Where it Happens?

The vibrant events center around Medaram village, nestled deep within the forests of Telangana.

What to Expect?

The Jathara features a mesmerizing blend of rituals, offerings, prayers, and vibrant cultural performances. Think colorful processions, rhythmic drumming, and traditional dances filling the streets.

More Than Religion

While deeply rooted in faith, the Jathara fosters unity and understanding. It brings together people from diverse communities and regions, celebrating their shared cultural heritage.

A Nature Connection

Held near the Godavari River, the festival emphasizes the importance of protecting nature, reminding everyone of our connection to the environment.

What kind of Festival is Medaram Jatara?

Medaram Jatara is a biggest tribal festival in Telangana, India (also in the world). It happens every two years and is important for the Koya tribe. The festival remembers a time in the 12th century when the Kakatiya rulers put heavy taxes during a drought. Sammakka and Saralamma, a brave mother-daughter duo, led a rebellion against this. They fought for the rights of the tribal people but sadly sacrificed their lives.

Who was Sammakka and Saralamma?

In the 12^th century, there was a drought in the region ruled by the Kakatiya rulers, causing great suffering among the tribal communities, particularly the Koya tribe in Telangana, India. The rulers, instead of helping the people, imposed heavy taxes, making life even more difficult.

Why Medaram Jatara Celebrated Primarily?

Medaram Jatara is primarily celebrated to honor the courage and sacrifice of Sammakka and Saralamma, a mother-daughter duo who led a historic revolt against oppressive taxation by the Kakatiya rulers during a 12th-century drought. The festival pays homage to these revered goddesses and serves as a cultural and religious commemoration.

Objectives of Medaram Jatara Festival

These are few key objectives of Medaram Jatara Festival –

1. Cultural Commemoration: Medaram Jatara aims to commemorate the historical revolt led by Sammakka and Saralamma against oppressive taxation during the 12th century.
2. Religious Observance: The festival serves as a significant religious event, with devotees seeking blessings from the revered goddesses.
3. Cultural Exchange: It provides a platform for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and harmony among diverse communities.
4. Preservation of Tribal Heritage: Medaram Jatara promotes the preservation of tribal traditions, culture, and heritage on a global scale.
5. Community Unity: The festival fosters a sense of community unity among devotees who come together to honor the spirit of resistance and resilience embodied by Sammakka and Saralamma.

Significance of Medaram Jatara 2024

The Medaram Jatara is a special festival with a lot of meaning for the Koya tribe in Telangana. It remembers a brave revolt led by Sammakka and Saralamma in the 12th century against unfair taxes during a tough time. Now, it has become an important cultural and religious event, bringing people together from different places.

Why is it important?

1. Remembering History: It helps us remember the brave fight of Sammakka and Saralamma against unfair taxes in the past.
2. Sharing Cultures: People from different places come together, sharing their traditions and making the festival a colorful mix of cultures.
3. Helping the Local Economy: The festival brings a lot of people, and that helps local businesses. People sell things, offer accommodations, and it boosts the local economy.
4. Preserving Traditions: It’s a way to keep the unique traditions and stories of the Koya tribe alive for future generations.
5. Bringing People Together: The festival creates a feeling of togetherness and community spirit, as everyone joins in to celebrate.

What is Koya Tribe?

The Koya Tribe is an indigenous community primarily residing in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha in India. Here’s what you need to know about them:

History and Identity

• They refer to themselves as Koitur in their own language and are considered an ancient tribe with a rich cultural heritage.
• The Koya language, also known as Koya basha, belongs to the Dravidian family and is related to Gondi.
• They are further divided into sub-groups based on region and livelihood, such as Doli Koya, Gutta Koya, and Kammara Koya.

Traditional Life

• Historically, the Koyas practiced shifting cultivation and depended on pastoralism for sustenance.
• Today, many still engage in these activities, supplemented by settled agriculture, animal husbandry, and forest resource collection.
• They are known for their unique way of community-oriented life, where villages typically revolve around dependable water sources and have strong social structures.

Cultural Identity

• The Koyas have a vibrant cultural heritage with rich folk dances, music, and storytelling traditions.
• Their traditional attire reflects their connection to nature, often using simple materials and incorporating natural elements.
• They also hold several distinct festivals and rituals celebrating their deities, ancestors, and connection to the environment.

Challenges and Adaptations

• Like many indigenous communities, the Koyas face various challenges, including land displacement, resource depletion, and social marginalization.
• However, they also demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptation, actively advocating for their rights and preserving their cultural identity.

Additional Points

• The Koya tribe plays a significant role in protecting the forests and maintaining ecological balance in their regions.
• Their unique knowledge and practices hold immense value for environmental conservation and sustainable development.

About Kakatiya Rule

The Kakatiya dynasty, a medieval Indian ruling family, governed a significant portion of the Deccan region, including present-day Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Karnataka, during the 12th and 13th centuries. Here are detailed descriptions of key aspects of the Kakatiya rule:

1. Foundation

The Kakatiya dynasty found its origins in the early 12th century when Prola I established it. The dynasty derived its name from Kakati village in the Warangal district of Telangana.

2. Warangal as the Capital

The city of Warangal, located in present-day Telangana, served as the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. Rulers adorned it with impressive fortifications, most notably the renowned Warangal Fort.

3. Prominent Rulers

Ganapati Deva, a highly notable ruler of the Kakatiya dynasty, is credited with consolidating and expanding the kingdom. Successors such as Rudrama Devi and Prataparudra II played pivotal roles in the dynasty’s historical narrative.

4. Economic Prosperity

Kakatiya rulers actively promoted agriculture and irrigation, contributing significantly to economic prosperity. Their construction of numerous tanks (cheruvus) and canals enhanced agricultural productivity in the region.

5. Art and Architecture

The Kakatiya period witnessed remarkable achievements in art and architecture. Examples include the Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda and the Ramappa Temple near Warangal, showcasing the architectural grandeur of this era.

6. Military Achievements

They renowned for their military prowess, the Kakatiyas successfully resisted invasions from the Delhi Sultanate, maintaining control over their territory.

7. Decline

Internal conflicts and external threats led to the dynasty’s decline in the late 13th century. The Delhi Sultanate, under Alauddin Khilji, ultimately defeated the Kakatiyas in 1323, marking the conclusion of their rule.

8. Cultural Contributions

The Kakatiya period witnessed significant developments in the Telugu language and literature. Renowned poets like Palkuriki Somanatha contributed to the cultural and literary growth of the region during this time.

Key Points to Remember about Medaram Jatara Festival 2024

These are the key points of Medaram Jatara Festival 2024.

1. Biennial spiritual festival in Medaram.
2. Occurs every two years, lasting four days.
3. Commemorates Koya tribe’s revolt in the 12th century.
4. Rebellion led by Sammakka and Saralamma.
5. Protested taxes during a drought by Kakatiya rulers.
6. State festival status since 1998.
7. Scheduled from February 21 to 24, 2024.
8. Honors Goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma.
9. Celebrated in Magha month (February) on the full moon day.
10. Fosters understanding and harmony among diverse communities.
11. Promotes global preservation of tribal traditions, culture, and heritage.
12. Devotees arrive months in advance.
13. Anticipated daily footfall of around one lakh pilgrims.
14. Expected total turnout nearly two crore.
15. Visitors from Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
16. Exhibitions, circuses, and makeshift shops spanning 10 kilometers.
17. Accommodation rates range from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.
18. Scarce housing in Medaram’s 300 households.
19. Tents in surrounding forests serve as temporary shelters.
20. Farmers offer fields for rent during the festival.
21. Excise officials issue temporary liquor licenses.
22. Plans for a dedicated depot to supply shops during festivities.
23. State government facilitates online offerings of jaggery (Bangaram).
24. ₹110 crore allocated for the fair, ₹75 crore released, ₹35 crore pending clearance.
25. Plans for helicopter services from Hanamkonda to Medaram for aerial views.

Interesting Facts about Medaram Jatara Festival

We have added a few key interesting facts about Medaram Jatara Festival or Technically, Medaram Jatara – (Because Jatara means the Festival)

1. Massive Gathering: The Medaram Jatara is the largest tribal religious gathering in the world, attracting over 1.5 crore (15 million) devotees every two years.
2. Unique Honorees: Unlike many festivals, the Jatara celebrates women warriors, Sammakka and Saralamma, who fought for their community.
3. Forest Setting: Held within Telangana’s forests, the festival connects attendees with nature, blending spiritual and environmental aspects.
4. Jaggery Offerings: As a unique tradition, devotees offer jaggery equal to their weight to the goddesses, symbolizing abundance and gratitude.
5. Cultural Showcase: Traditional dances, performances, and music fill the streets, creating a vibrant display of tribal heritage.
6. Temporary Tattoos: Devotees wear temporary tattoos with tribal motifs, expressing their faith and cultural connection.
7. Hair Donation Ritual: In a special ceremony, women donate their hair to the goddesses, signifying sacrifice and devotion.
8. Animal Procession: A fascinating procession features elephants, horses, and even goats adorned with colorful decorations, adding to the festivities.
9. Local Delicacies: Beyond typical festival fare, the Jatara offers unique dishes like bamboo chicken and forest fruits, showcasing local cuisine.
10. Wishes and Blessings: Devotees offer golden-colored jaggery (“bangaram”) to the goddesses, hoping for wishes to be fulfilled and blessings received.

Key Facts about Medaram Jatara Festival 2024

We have added a complete facts about 2024 below-

FAQs on Medaram Jatara – Medaram Jatara UPSC Question

Question-1: What is Medaram Jatara?

Answer. Medaram Jatara is a biennial four-day festival in Medaram, Telangana, commemorating a 12th-century revolt by the Koya tribe against taxes.

Question-2: When does Medaram Jatara take place?

Answer. It occurs every two years, with the upcoming festival scheduled from February 21 to 24, 2024.

Question-3: Who led the revolt commemorated in Medaram Jatara?

Answer. The revolt was led by Sammakka and Saralamma, a mother-daughter duo of the Koya tribe.

Question-4: What was the reason behind the revolt?

Answer. The revolt protested taxes imposed on the tribal populace during a drought by the Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century.

Question-5: When did Medaram Jatara earn State festival status?

Answer. It earned State festival status in 1998.

Question-6: Where is Medaram located?

Answer. Medaram is a village in the Mulugu district of Telangana, within the Eturnagaram wildlife sanctuary.

Question-7: What is the significance of Medaram Jatara?

Answer. It holds spiritual significance, fosters understanding between communities, and promotes the preservation of tribal traditions and culture.

Question-8: How many devotees attend Medaram Jatara?

Answer. Officials anticipate a daily footfall of around one lakh pilgrims, with a total turnout of nearly two crore.

Question-9: Why are accommodation rates high during the festival?

Answer. Limited housing in Medaram’s 300 households leads to high accommodation rates, ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹50,000.

Question-10: What alternative shelters are available for attendees?

Answer. Tents in surrounding forests serve as temporary sanctuaries, and farmers offer their fields for rent.

Question-11: How does the State government facilitate offerings for rituals?

Answer. The State government enables devotees to make online offerings of jaggery, locally known as Bangaram.

Question-12: What is the allocated budget for the fair?

Answer. The fair has a total budget of ₹110 crore, with ₹75 crore already released and an additional ₹35 crore awaiting clearance.

Question-13: Are there plans for helicopter services during the festival?

Answer. Yes, plans are underway to introduce helicopter services from Hanamkonda to Medaram for aerial views of the Jatara.

Question-14: Which nearby attractions can tourists explore during Medaram Jatara?

Answer. Tourists can explore attractions such as the Ramappa Temple, Laknavaram Lake, and megalithic burials.

Question-15: How is Medaram shrine connected to major cities?

Answer. Medaram shrine is well-connected by roads, approximately 110 km from Warangal, 259 km from Hyderabad, and accessible by RTC buses and personal vehicles.

Question-16: Are special trains arranged for devotees traveling by train?

Answer. Yes, special trains are expected to run from Secunderabad to Warangal, facilitating devotees’ travel to Medaram via vehicles from Warangal railway station.

Question-17: What cultural events are featured at Medaram Jatara?

Answer. The Jatara includes exhibitions, circuses, and makeshift shops, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultural exchange.

Question-18: How do farmers capitalize on the festival influx?

Answer. Farmers offer their fields on rent to pilgrims for setting up tents, temporarily halting cultivation to earn extra income.

Question-19: What additional services are prepared to meet demand during the festival?

Answer. Excise officials prepare to issue temporary liquor licenses, and there are plans for a dedicated depot to supply shops during the festivities.

Question-20: Which states do visitors come from for Medaram Jatara?

Answer. Visitors come from Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.