The central government has allocated funds for the Sammakka Sarakka fair, recognized as the largest tribal adivasi fair in Asia. Union Minister Kishan Reddy announced that Rs. 3 crores have been allocated for organizing the Medaram fair. With an estimated attendance of one and a half million devotees expected at the Medaram Maha Jatara, extensive arrangements are being made to ensure their comfort and convenience.
To bolster tourism in the surrounding areas of Medaram, including Mulugu, Lakkavaram, Medavaram, Tadwai, Damarawai, and Mallur, the Union Ministry of Tourism has allocated Rs. 80 crores. This investment not only focuses on enhancing infrastructure for tourists but also encompasses various development projects. Moreover, special trains will be operated by the South Central Railway Department for the four days of the fair, facilitating devotees’ travel from surrounding states and across the state.
In addition to these measures, the Union Tribal Ministry has allocated funds for organizing the National Tribal Dance Festival during the Medaram Jatara, featuring 350 dancers over four days. Empowerment programs for tribal youth, competitions on tribal arts and literature for students of Ekalavya & Ashram schools, restoration of the Koya village model, and the establishment of a park at the museum are also part of the initiative.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to promote and publicize the Medaram fair through various means, including the production of a documentary, showcasing tribal cuisine stalls, and setting up tribal homestays to encourage tourism. To ensure the safety and convenience of devotees, artificial intelligence will be employed for better services and crowd control measures, with the installation of crowd counting cameras and constant surveillance with drones and CC cameras.
TSRTC has arranged special buses to accommodate the rush of devotees, while the government has also enabled devotees to pay their dues to Sammakka Sarakka online for those unable to attend the fair in person. These comprehensive efforts reflect a concerted endeavor to enhance the Medaram Maha Jatara experience while preserving its cultural significance.