The State Government has reiterated its resolve to conduct the Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, one of the biggest tribal festivals, on the lines of Kumbh Mela.
The officials concerned were directed to ensure that the jatara , being held between January 31 and February 3, receives national and international attention. Officials should accordingly utilise the international channels and social media extensively to publicise the tribal event which was expected to attract lakhs of people from across the country.
The government on its part would set up a folk museum and amphitheatre at Medaram for display of folk arts by over 300 artistes on daily basis. Dance forms like Dhimsa and Gussadi would form part of the festival while it would showcase tribal instruments and traditional artefacts.
In addition to the awareness campaign, the festival would feature tribal food court with display of environment-friendly green products including organic food, wild fruit and flowers besides focussing on promotion and preservation of fauna and flora as well as tribal lifestyles. The government would strive to create livelihood options for tribals as part of the Jatara which would be an opportunity for anthropologists, researchers and students to understand the lifestyle of tribes.
Work on the facilities for devotees had already been launched and the government planned to put in place 5,000 mobile toilets and dressing rooms at Medaram. Drinking water would be supplied to the visitors, for which youth organisations would be positioned on 24x7 basis.
