Sammakka Jatara 2028 — Dates & Schedule
4 Days · 4 Nights · Medaram, Mulugu District, Telangana
The Sammakka Sarakka Jatara (Medaram Jatara) is held once every two years during Magha Masam — the month of Magha in the Hindu lunar calendar, corresponding to January–February in the Gregorian calendar. The exact start date is fixed to the full-moon fortnight of Magha (Magha Shudda Pournami) and spans four days and four nights of uninterrupted tribal worship.
The 2028 Jatara is expected in February 2028, following the biennial pattern. Official dates are announced by the Mulugu District Collectorate and the Telangana State Government two to three months before the festival. The lunar calendar determines the precise timing, which typically falls in the last week of January or first week of February. Bookmark this page — we update it as soon as official dates are declared.
Asia's largest tribal congregation, the Jatara draws over 1 crore (10 million) pilgrims to a remote forest village that is otherwise home to just a few hundred residents. Understanding the four-day programme helps you plan your pilgrimage, choose the right day to arrive, and know which rituals to witness.
Historical & Upcoming Jatara Dates
| Year | Dates | Duration | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2028 | February 2028 (to be announced) | 4 days | Upcoming | mulugu.telangana.gov.in |
| 2026 | January 28 – 31, 2026 | 4 days | Concluded | medaramjathara.com |
| 2024 | February 21 – 24, 2024 | 4 days | Concluded | telanganatourism.gov.in |
| 2022 | February 16 – 19, 2022 | 4 days | Concluded | Government notification |
| 2020 | February 5 – 8, 2020 | 4 days | Concluded | Government notification |
| 2018 | February 13 – 16, 2018 | 4 days | Concluded | Government notification |
⚠️ Note: 2028 dates have not yet been officially announced. Before planning your pilgrimage, verify dates at the Mulugu District official website or the Telangana Government's public announcements.
4-Day Programme: What Happens Each Day
📅 Day 1 — Sarakka's Arrival (Sarakka Gadde)
The Jatara opens with the ceremonial arrival of the gadde (a vermilion-filled casket representing Goddess Sarakka) from Kannepalli village, escorted by the hereditary Kaka Vaddelu priests. The procession reaches the Medaram jatara grounds by afternoon, where the gadde is installed on the sacred platform. From this moment pilgrims may begin darshan. Devotees offer red cloth, jaggery, and turmeric. Most pilgrims who arrive on Day 1 camp overnight near the Jampanna Vagu riverbank, preparing for the main events ahead.
📅 Day 2 — Sammakka's Arrival (Sammakka Gadde)
Day 2 is the spiritual heart of the Jatara. In the evening, the Dubba Gatta Vaddelu priests descend from Chilakalaghatta hill carrying Sammakka's sacred gadde through an ancient, closely guarded ritual. The procession arrives at the main jatara ground as night falls — a moment when lakhs of devotees hold their breath in reverence. The official Jatara is considered to begin with Sammakka's arrival. Darshan continues through the night as the crowd swells to its largest. This is the most emotionally charged night of the festival.
📅 Day 3 — Bangaram (Jaggery) Offering Day
The third day sees the Bangaram offering at its peak. Pilgrims who have taken a vow (mokku) bring jaggery equal in weight to their own body — they are weighed on large scales and the equivalent weight in jaggery (bangaram, lit. "gold") is offered to Sammakka and Sarakka. This day also sees the highest number of sacred baths in Jampanna Vagu. Over one crore devotees throng the grounds on this single day. The Telangana State Government deploys special buses, medical camps, drinking water stations, and temporary shelters to manage the enormous crowd. Security forces, district officials, and tribal affairs authorities coordinate a massive logistical operation around the clock.
📅 Day 4 — Vanapravesha (Return to the Forest)
On the final afternoon, the Koya priests and government officials together conduct the Vanapravesha — the ceremony returning the goddesses to the forest. Sammakka's gadde is carried back up to Chilakalaghatta hill, and Sarakka's gadde is returned to Kannepalli. Once this ritual concludes, the Jatara grounds are considered closed until the next biennial festival (2030). The crowd disperses rapidly after Vanapravesha; the roads from Medaram see their heaviest outbound traffic in the late afternoon and evening of Day 4.
Key Ritual Timings at a Glance
| Sarakka Gadde Procession | Day 1, afternoon |
|---|---|
| Sammakka Gadde Arrival | Day 2, evening |
| Peak Bangaram Offering | Day 3, dawn to midnight |
| Jampanna Vagu Sacred Bath | Days 2 through 4 |
| Vanapravesha (Closing Ceremony) | Day 4, afternoon |
Times shown are traditional averages based on past Jataras. Exact timings depend on Koya priestly rituals and may vary each year. Follow official announcements closer to the festival for precise daily schedules.
Which Day Should You Visit?
Day 1 — Quiet Arrival
Best for pilgrims who prefer a calmer atmosphere. Darshan wait times are shorter. Ideal for elderly visitors or families with young children. Camp near Jampanna Vagu in the evening.
Day 2 — Sammakka's Night
Witnessing Sammakka's procession is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. Expect very large crowds from the afternoon onward. Arrive early in the day to secure a good position.
Day 3 — Peak Darshan
The most crowded day — over 1 crore pilgrims. Best for fulfilling bangaram vows. Expect long queues (4–8 hours). Carry water, food, and wear comfortable footwear. Start your darshan journey at 2–3 AM to beat the rush.
Day 4 — Vanapravesha
Fewer crowds in the morning. Witnessing Vanapravesha is spiritually significant. Begin your return journey immediately after — roads are heavily congested in the late afternoon.
Official Sources for 2028 Dates
Verify all dates and schedule updates through these authoritative sources:
- Mulugu District Collectorate — mulugu.telangana.gov.in — official date announcements, traffic plans, and infrastructure updates
- Telangana Tourism — telanganatourism.gov.in — pilgrimage packages, travel advisories, and accommodation lists
- Medaram Jathara Portal — medaramjathara.com — comprehensive official Jatara information