Warangal: The tribals and Adivasis celebrating Medaram Sammakka Saralakka celebrations every two years in Karimnagar district. Now these celebrations are started three days ago. The Adivasis, tribals and non-tribals are also participating in the celebrations.

The festival is celebrated to commemorate the sacrifices made by tribal rulers Sammakka and Saralakka who fought the mighty Kakatiya rulers opposing an unjust law in the 13^th century. The tribal king Padigidda Raju and his son Jampanna were killed during the war, the daughter and mother marshaled resources, fought bravely and caused colossal damage to the Kakatiya rulers. Later the mother and daughter Sammakka and Saralakka fought with the Kakatiya rulers and they died. Since then the Koyas, Waddaras and other Indian tribes and castes have been organizing the festival dedicated to Sammakka and Saralakka.

The SP of Mulugu district Sangram Singh G. Patil fired ten rounds in the air from Ak- 47 to mark the arrival of Goddess of Sammakka and Saralakka from the sacred grooves of Chilukalagutta in Medaram. On hearing the shots, the waiting crowd burst into a roar. This the day the Medaram Jatara is filled with energy as the most revered deity of the tribals takes her place at the altar in the temple. Chief Priest Kakkera Krishanaiah conducts prayers for three hours to appease and awaken the Goddess.

Friday is the most auspicious day of the festival as both deities Sammakka and Saralakka can be seen at their respective altars. Earlier in the day, the tribal priests conduct rituals at the Sammakka temple in Medaram. They also decorated the altar of Sammakka before her arrival.