Hyderabad, Jan 30 (NationPress) Thousands of devotees have gathered in Medaram, located in Telangana's Mulugu district, as the Samarkka Saralamma Jatara, the largest tribal fair in Asia, reached its third day on Friday.

The event is proceeding smoothly, supported by comprehensive security measures and arrangements by the State government.

Devotees from diverse regions including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and beyond are paying homage to the tribal deities Samakka and Saralamma.

The area surrounding the temple is crowded with attendees, featuring long lines of worshippers waiting to enter.

The atmosphere is filled with spiritual enthusiasm as attendees also flock to Jampanna Vagu, the stream known for its sacred dips.

Officials have noted that the biennial festival is unfolding in a peaceful and orderly fashion.

The administrative teams are effectively managing the large crowds, with medical personnel on standby for any emergencies.

Notably, Gareth Wynn Owen, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Hyderabad, visited the Sammakka–Saralamma Temple on Friday to pay his respects.

Wearing traditional handloom garments, he participated in the Thulabaram ritual and was accompanied by Minister Seethakka and the District Collector, who provided insights into the significance of the Medaram Maha Jatara and the preparations made for the attendees.

Among those offering prayers were Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Endowments Minister Konda Surekha, political leaders, and officials.

The primary ritual of the Jatara took place on Thursday night when Sammakka Thalli departed from Chilakalagutta en route to Medaram. Following tribal traditions, the District Superintendent of Police fired ceremonial gunshots to honor the goddess's journey. Sammakka Thalli arrived at the Gadde, the sacred platform, late that night.

Meanwhile, in Chilakalagutta, where Goddess Sammakka appeared as Kumkuma Bharani, the chief priest Kokkera Krishnayya and other priests conducted special pujas with lamp offerings at the hilltop.

Ministers Danasari Seethakka and Adluri Laxman Kumar, along with District Collector Divakar T.S. and District SP Sudheer Ramnath Kekan, also participated in the rituals according to traditional tribal practices. At the main entrance of the Medaram temple, Sammakka Thalli received a ceremonial welcome.

Every two years, priests install Sammakka Thalli on the Gadde on the auspicious day of Magha Shuddha Pournami. The representations of Saralamma, Pagididdaraju, and Govindaraju are already positioned on the Medaram Gaddelu.

From Chilakalagutta to the temple, numerous devotees performed ritual aarti to Sammakka Thalli, displaying their deep devotion.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, along with MLC Mahesh Kumar Goud, visited Medaram to offer prayers. Union Ministers G. Kishan Reddy and Jual Oram also graced the holy site and received a traditional welcome from local folk artists.