Sammakka Sarakka Festival: A Grand Tribal Celebration

India is recognised worldwide for its incredible diversity and rich cultural heritage. More than 700 tribal groups reside in the country, and each group has its unique traditions and rituals. The Samakka Sarakka Festival is a celebration of sacrifice, and bravery, and is a symphony of culture and beliefs.

Telangana's Tribal Fair | Source: Civils Daily

Around the world, people celebrate a multitude of festivals, and each festival carries its captivating significance. In Telangana, the bi-annual celebration of the Sammakka Sarakka festival draws millions of devotees together to honour the enduring spirit of the tribal goddesses, a mother-daughter duo named Sammakka and Sarakka. These revered deities are deeply cherished, particularly by the Koya tribe to which they belonged. The festival spans three to four days and is attended not only by Koya tribals but also by others. The entire ritual is meticulously organised and conducted by Koya tribe priests, according to their traditions and customs.

This grand event is one of India's largest festivals and takes place just a few kilometres from Medaram, Telangana. But what is the reason behind this massive celebration, and what is its significance? The story dates back over 700 years ago, from 1000 AD to 1323 AD. At that time, Telangana's densely forested Medaram region was under the rule of the Kakatiyan Kingdom, and the Koya tribal group also inhabited this area. Despite the abundant forests, the region was plagued by severe drought, leaving them with scant water supplies. During a hunting expedition, the tribals witnessed a remarkable sight. They saw a newborn girl who was encircled by tigers and lions, guarding her as if she were a goddess. This divine child was named Sammakka, and it was believed that any medicine she administered through her hand could cure any kind of ailment. She was later married to a tribal leader named Pagididda Raju, and they had two daughters, Sarakka and Nagulamma, and a son named Jampanna.

Their lives took a dramatic turn when drought once again struck the land, and King Pratap Rudra demanded that the population pay taxes due to the hardships they faced. The tribals were impoverished and were unable to meet the king's demands, but he remained steadfast in his decision. Frustration and anger mounted until the king declared war on his impoverished subjects. He dispatched thousands of troops, along with horses and elephants, for the battle, even though the tribal group had limited weaponry. The tribal group valiantly at the battle site, Sampangi Vaagu (stream), but the Kakatiyan army realised that the tribals' strength lay in their tribal leader. And so they cunningly surrounded the leader, Pagadidda Raju, and killed him.

Upon hearing the news of her husband's death, Sammakka, along with her children and son-in-law Govinda Raju, courageously entered the battle. The enemy, once again realised that their advantage persisted as long as Sammakka and Sarakka remained alive. Ans they attempted to kill Sarakka by firing hundreds of arrows from a hidden position. Meanwhile, Sammaka’s son, Jampanna, sustained severe wounds and fell into the Sampangi Vaagu, turning the stream red with his blood. It is believed that Sammakka was devastated by these tragic events and transformed into a vermilion jar (Kumkum) at a hill called Chilakala Gutta.

Devotees taking a dip at the Jampanna Stream, Source: Medaram Janthara

The stream into which Jampanna fell was subsequently named Jampanna Sampangi Vaagu, and during the festival, the Kumkum is brought and washed in this stream as part of the rituals. The festival not only honours Sammakka and Sarakka but also reveres the idols of Pagididda Raju and Govinda Raju. Devotees take a dip in the Jampanna stream to commemorate the sacrifices made by their deities to protect them. During this celebration, people commonly offer jaggery as a token of their devotion to Sammakka and Sarakka. In addition to these rituals, the festival is a vibrant celebration of tribal culture, featuring folk dances, dramas, music, and traditional art forms. Notably, this festival has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Regardless of their diverse backgrounds and cultural communities, such festivals promote belief, unity, and harmony, embodying the unique spirit of Indian festivals.