After the formation of Telangana the Sammakka Saralakka jatra is organized in a big way with full government and peoples support and already regarded as the state festival and efforts are afoot to get the tag of National festival .
It is popularly believed as a festival of thanking giving by tribals and non-tribals of the region to the tribal queens -Sammakka and Sarlakka – hailed as folk goddesses by tribals, for the prosperity, health, and peace – bestowed by them folk goddesses .
The four-day tribal jamboree organized by Telangana government as part of its tribal code to promote worshipping of trees, forests and preserve tribal culture and traditions from extinction will be rolled out as Sammakka and Sarlakka Jatra from Jan31-Feb-4.
Lakhs of tribal men and women come on bullock carts or walk through deep jungles from far and away to redeem their vows to protect trees of five states.As in the Avatar film, a festive atmosphere is dawning on the 50 sq km along the Mulugu -Eturnagaram highway.
The jatara is also an occasion for the tribal families to firm up betrothals, tribal issues of land, health, drought, wild animals, family or village disputes as they sit with govt officials, elders, doctors.The jatara gives them an opportunity to see the outside world -modern world-motor cars, cell phones and also a variety of food, trinkets, bangles, household goods, clothes and also artificial ornaments.
A folk museum and an amphitheatre built at Medaram for display of folk arts daily by over 300 artists.
The tourism department and the Tribal food court with a display of environment-friendly non-vegetarian and vegetarian and green products. Varieties of organic food, wild fruits and flowers would also be showcased by the forest department
Creation of livelihood options for tribals as part of Jatra – unique tribal homes on rental for tribal lovers to spend time in deep forests in coordination with AIRBNB –home stays concept. ‘
Mobile toilets: Over 5000 mobile toilets and dressing rooms are being set up at the Medaram so that tribals and non-tribals desist from open defecation and increase prospects of infectious diseases and epidemics.
2500 sanitary workers in 24×7 for cleaning Medaram
Bathing ghats at holy Jampanna vagu.
4500 RTC buses to Medaram every day.
Security by 10,000 policemen and CCTV:
Two special helipads for VIPS and also a Common man; A special helipad is being organized for VIPS and also another for common devotees.The Tumbi aviation is putting up chartered chopper rides from Warangal and also for a 10-minute aerial view of the Medaram jatara
Tribals are given priority in auctioning of bids for tonsuring, the sale of coconuts, jaggery etc, parking lots, stalls etc.
