Centre urged to declare Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara a ‘national festival’

The Telangana government has once again urged the Centre to declare the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara a National festival, said Minister for Revenue, Housing and Information & Public Relations Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy on Thursday.

Speaking to the media, the Minister said this was the second Maha Jatara being held after the formation of the People’s government in the State. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the government had accorded top priority to the historic tribal festival and undertaken several permanent development works to provide better facilities for devotees.

Minister for Tribal Welfare Adluri Laxman Kumar said infrastructure works, including the reconstruction of the Gaddelu, were completed within the stipulated time as per the Chief Minister’s instructions. He said a representation had been submitted to Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, seeking National festival status for the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara and enhanced financial assistance from the Centre. With lakhs of devotees attending the Maha Jatara, he said all arrangements were made to ensure a smooth pilgrimage and thanked the Central and State governments, officials and the media for their cooperation.

Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya Seethakka said that, as directed by the Chief Minister, temple development works and essential infrastructure were completed within 90 days under the supervision of the in-charge Minister. Though the Jatara is traditionally held for four days, she said elaborate arrangements had been made this time in view of the large influx of devotees.

Stating that the Jatara had been progressing peacefully, she thanked District Collector TS Divakara, Superintendent of Police Sudhir R. Kekan and other officials from different departments.