Medaram Jatara | Over 1 crore devotees likely to visit after Sammakka’s arrival: Telangana Minister

The number of devotees is likely to cross one crore after the arrival of mother Sammakka at the Gadde (sacred platform) at the Medaram shrine, according to Telangana Housing and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. He also added that Medaram would be included in the development of the proposed temple circuit along the Godavari basin in the State.

Devotees at Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram village, Mulugu district of Telangana on Thursday (January 29, 2026). About 30 lakh visited the tribal fair till the afternoon.
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL

Interacting with the media at Medaram on Thursday (January 29, 2026), the Minister said the footfall had reached unprecedented levels, with devotees arriving not only from Telangana but also from neighbouring States. “While 25 to 28 lakh devotees visited the shrine on Wednesday, the number of devotees who visited the temple till Thursday afternoon is about 30 lakh. There will be a sudden surge after the arrival of the presiding deity Sammakka on Thursday night,” he said, adding that the Government closely monitored all arrangements to ensure that devotees did not face any inconvenience.

Devotees attending Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram village, Mulugu district of Telangana, arranged temporary tents on Thursday (January 29, 2026)
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL

Referring to the permanent development of Medaram, Mr. Srinivas Reddy said 29 acres of land had already been acquired, and the process was under way to acquire another 41 or 42 acres. Permanent infrastructure, including cottages, marriage halls, toilets and bathrooms, would be developed in the expanded area.

To further enhance the prominence of the Medaram fair, often described as the Kumbh Mela of South India, the Government has will develop it under the Basar–Bhadrachalam temple circuit along the banks of the Godavari River, the minister said., adding that a comprehensive master plan for Medaram had already been prepared, covering internal roads, eco-parks and the expansion of tourism facilities. He also appealed to devotees not to believe misinformation circulating on social media, reiterating that the government was taking all necessary measures for their safety and convenience.

Devotees at Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram village, Mulugu district of Telangana on Thursday (January 29, 2026)
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL

On the development of Jampanna Vagu [a rivulet], he said steps were being taken to ensure year-round water availability. As announced by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, a project is being planned to bring water through a pipeline from Ramappa–Laknavaram to the Jampanna Vagu rivulet, along with the construction of check dams for permanent water storage.

Medaram, Telangana, 29/01/2026:Devotees taking holy bath at the Jampanna Vagu during the historic Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram village, Mulugu district of Telangana on Thursday (January 29, 2026)
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL

Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Women and Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said the temple development works were completed in a short period with the active support of the Chief Minister and Mr. Srinivas Reddy.

She noted that traffic movement had improved significantly this time due to the construction of four-lane roads, overcoming earlier difficulties caused by narrow approach roads. Stressing future needs, she said permanent drinking water facilities, a large number of permanent toilets and extensive tree plantation would be required, considering the prevailing heat conditions.