From Adilabad to Warangal, it is Jaatara (religious fairs) time in Telangana. Here is a glimpse of some major Telangana Jaataras that are currently underway:
Medaram Sammakka Saralakka Jaatara
The Sammakka Saralamma Jaatara is held in a village named Medaram in Warangal district.
This biennieal Jaatara attracts the largest number of devotees after the Kumbh Mela. While this is a predominantly tribal fair, even non-tribals visit Medaram in large numbers. Millions of tribals from different states including Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Orissa attend this Jaatara.
While the actual Jaatara is going to be held between February 8th and 11th of this year, devotees are already thronging in large numbers and offering prayers to the presiding deities. On 22nd Januray alone, about one lakh devotees came to Medaram.
Nagoba Jaatara
The annual tribal festival, Nagoba jatara, has kick-started at Keslapur in Indravelli mandal in Adilabad district, on 22nd Jan this year.
The 7-day festival has begun after tribal priests performed abhishekam to Nagoba idol at the temple in Keslapur with water fetched by them from river Godavari in Jannaram mandal, 70 km away from the village.
Komuravelli Mallanna Jaathara
Tha Jaatara of Komuravelli (Komarelli) Mallanna began this week and will continue till Ugaadi. Thousands of devotees are thronging the Mallikarjuna Swami temple everyday.
Komuravelli village is in Cheryal mandal of Warangal district. One can reach Komuravelli by bus from Hyderabad (90 kms), Warangal (110 KM), or Siddipet (22 Kms).
Inavolu (Iloni) Mallanna Jaatara
The famous Iloni Mallanna Jatara has begun on a grand note here on 21st January. The religious event of historic Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple begins after Sankranti festival, and continues till Ugadi, the Telugu New Year.
Lakhs of pilgrims from across the district and neighbouring districts take part in the event and fulfill their vows.
Inavolu Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple situated at Inavolu village of Vardhannapet mandal in the Warangal district is one of the ancient Lord Shiva temples in south India. The temple dates back to 11th century and was built by Kakatiya rulers.
Prataparudra Singaraaya Jaatara
The Singaraaya Jaatara is celebrated at the Lakshminarasimha Swami temple located near Kurella, Baswapur villages in Koheda mandal of Karimnagar district.
Thousands of devotees from Warangal, Medak and Karimnagar district visit this Jaatara every year. They take a holy dip in the Moya Tummeda Vaagu, a small stream nearby and offer prayers to Lord Lakshmi Narasimha.
People come from as far as Pune, Bhivandi and Mumbai to visit this famous Jaatara.
Chittaaramma Jaatara
The goddess of the poor and downtrodden, Chittaaramma Devi temple is located in Gajula Ramaaram in Hyderabad. This is one of the most popular Jaatara’s of Telangana region.
The Jaatara began this week with dances of Pota Raju and women offering Bonalu to goddess Chittaaramma.