Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 29 : Telangana Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Thursday said that the Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara is being held for the second time since the formation of the People's Government in the State, and that under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Government has accorded the highest priority to the historic tribal festival by undertaking several permanent development works to provide improved facilities for devotees, the release said.
Addressing a press conference at Medaram, Minister Srinivasa said that the State Government has urged the Union Government to recognise the Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara as a National Festival. With the visit of Union Ministers to Medaram, he expressed confidence that the long-pending demand would be realised soon.
Describing the Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara as a symbol of tribal self-respect, Srinivasa said it stands on par with the Kumbh Mela in scale and significance.
The Minister expressed gratitude to officials, staff, and all departments that worked with dedication to ensure the successful conduct of the Maha Jatara, and thanked the media for their support in disseminating information to the public.
Speaking on the occasion, Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Women & Child Welfare Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) said that, as per the Chief Minister's directions, temple development works and essential infrastructure were completed within 90 days under the supervision of the In-charge Minister.
She said that while the Jatara is usually held for four days, extensive arrangements have been made this time keeping in view the unprecedented influx of devotees.
Stating that the Jatara has been progressing peacefully and smoothly, she thanked the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, officials from police, revenue and other departments, personnel deployed from other districts, and media representatives for their coordinated efforts.
As per the release, Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar said that, following the Chief Minister's instructions, infrastructure works, including the reconstruction of the Gaddelu, were completed within the stipulated time. A representation was submitted to Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, requesting the declaration of the Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara as a National Festival and seeking enhanced financial assistance from the Centre for the conduct of the Jatara. With lakhs of devotees attending the Maha Jatara, he said all necessary arrangements were made to ensure that pilgrims face no inconvenience.
Laxman thanked the Central and State Governments, officials, and the media for their cooperation in making the event a success.