News Excerpt:
Sammakka Saralamma Jathara or Medaram Jathara is a tribal festival honouring the tribal goddesses celebrated in the state of Telangana.

About Sammakka-Sarakka Medaram Jathara:

• The festival is said to be Asia’s biggest tribal congregation.
• It is also the second-largest fair in India, after the Kumbh Mela. 
• It is celebrated by the Koya tribe of Telangana for four days.
• It takes place once every two years.
• The festival commemorates the fight of a mother and daughter, Sammakka and Saralamma, with the reigning Kakatiya rulers against an unjust levying of taxes on tribals. 

Jampanna Vagu:

• Jampanna Vagu is a tributary to River Godavari. 
• According to history, Jampanna is the tribal warrior and the son of Tribal Goddess Sammakka.
• The Jampanna Vagu is still red in colour marked with the blood of Jampanna (Scientifically the red colour of the water is attributed to the soil composition).
• Tribals believe that taking a holy dip in the red water of Jampanna Vagu during Jathara reminds them of the sacrifice of their gods.