Jatara 2028 — Dates & Schedule
The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara is held biennially (once every two years) during the month of Magha in the Hindu calendar, timed to Magha Sudha Pournami — the full moon day. The festival spans four days and four nights. Exact dates are determined by the lunar calendar and officially announced by the Mulugu District Collectorate approximately 2–3 months before the event. The 2028 Jatara is expected in February, but pilgrims should monitor official channels for confirmed dates.
Historical & Upcoming Dates
| Year | Dates | Duration | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2028 | February 2028 (TBA) | 4 days | UPCOMING | mulugu.telangana.gov.in |
| 2026 | 28 January – February 2026 | 4 days | CONCLUDED | telanganatourism.gov.in |
| 2024 | 21–24 February 2024 | 4 days | CONCLUDED | pib.gov.in |
| 2022 | 16–19 February 2022 | 4 days | CONCLUDED | pib.gov.in |
| 2020 | February 2020 | 4 days | CONCLUDED | — |
| 2018 | February 2018 | 4 days | CONCLUDED | — |
4-Day Programme
Day 1 — Evening (Magha Sudha Pournami Eve)
Arrival of Sarakka from Kannepally village, led by the Kaka Vaddes (hereditary priest lineage). Pagididda Raju's insignia arrives from Punugondla, carried by the Penka Vaddes. Govinda Raju and Nagulamma's procession arrives from Kondayi, led by the Dubbagatta Vaddes.
Traditional instruments fill the air — Doli (cylindrical drums), Akkum (brass horns), and Thootha Kommu (bison-horn trumpets). The Gaddes (sacred platforms) are established at Medaram.
Day 2 — Evening (Magha Sudha Pournami — Full Moon)
The grand arrival of Sammakka from Chilukalagutta hillock. Tribal priests ascend the hill and retrieve her vermilion casket from a bamboo grove — the exact spot where, according to legend, she disappeared after the battle with the Kakatiya army.
Legend holds that a tiger guards the spot. This is the largest single-day crowd of the Jatara. The procession from Chilukalagutta to the Medaram Gadde is the spiritual centrepiece of the entire festival.
Day 3 — All Day (Most Auspicious)
Both goddesses are enthroned simultaneously on their sacred platforms — the most auspicious moment of the Jatara. Pilgrims offer Bangaram (jaggery equal to their body weight) at the Gadde. Millions take the holy dip in Jampanna Vagu, the sacred stream named after Sammakka's son.
Childless couples pray for blessings at the Gadde. Prasadam (sacred offering) is taken home by devotees. Government-designated ghats manage the massive bathing crowds.
Day 4 — Return to the Forest
The deities are taken back to the forest by the Koya priests, accompanied by government officials. Sammakka's vermilion casket is returned to Chilukalagutta hillock. The Jatara site becomes inaccessible to the public until the next celebration in 2030.
Official Sources
🏛️ Telangana Tourism
Official state tourism portal with Jatara dates, travel advisories, and accommodation info.
telanganatourism.gov.in →📋 Mulugu District
District Collectorate — official date announcements, crowd management, infrastructure updates.
mulugu.telangana.gov.in →🏹 Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Central funding, Medaram Tribal Museum, tribal welfare schemes for Koya community.
tribal.nic.in →🌐 GOI Utsav Portal
Government of India festival portal with cultural documentation and national significance.
utsav.gov.in →