In a significant move highlighting the cultural importance of a major tribal event, the Telangana government has announced a massive budget of ₹260 crore for the upcoming Sammakka Saralamma Jatara. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized that the festival is far more than a tribal gathering; it represents the very heartbeat and self-respect of the state.
Government Review and Grand Announcements
On Sunday, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka conducted a thorough review of the arrangements at Medaram, the sacred site of the jatara. He was accompanied by a team of ministers including D Sridhar Babu, Konda Surekha, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, D Seethakka, and Adluri Laxman. The leaders also offered prayers to the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, seeking blessings for the event's success.
Addressing the press after the review, Vikramarka revealed the financial blueprint for this year's celebrations. The state government is allocating a total of ₹260 crore. This substantial sum is divided into two key segments: ₹150 crore is earmarked for conducting the jatara itself, covering logistics, facilities, and management. The remaining ₹110 crore is dedicated to the construction of a permanent temple structure at the site.
A Leap from Past Expenditures
Vikramarka provided a stark comparison to underscore the scale of the current government's commitment. He stated that the previous state administration had spent between ₹75 crore and ₹100 crore on the festival. The current allocation of ₹260 crore marks a substantial increase, reflecting the new government's priority to elevate the stature of this cultural spectacle.
The Deputy CM explained that the focus is on creating permanent infrastructure to showcase the unique cultural grandeur of the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara to a global audience. This initiative aims to ensure that devotees, who arrive in lakhs, face minimal inconvenience during their pilgrimage.
Deadline Set for Final Preparations
Detailing the progress on the ground, Vikramarka informed that approximately 85% of the necessary arrangements are already in place. Following the comprehensive review of all tasks and expenditures at Medaram, he issued clear instructions to the concerned officials. All remaining work must be completed by January 15, setting a firm deadline for the final touches before the grand congregation begins.
This large-scale investment and strategic planning signal the Telangana government's intent to transform the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara from a biennial festival into a permanently facilitated, world-class cultural and spiritual destination, solidifying its status as a powerful symbol of the state's identity.
