Permanent stands, massive devpt for record crowds at Medaram
The government started the work in accordance with tribal customs and with full approval of tribal elders and priests' association
image for illustrative purpose
Hyderabad: The Medaram fair, which is held every two years on the occasion of Magha Pournami which attracts crores of devotees, has gained more importance this time due to the renovation works.
Unlike the situation in the past where temporary facilities were arranged for every festival, this time the shrines have been completely reconstructed with stone structures that will last for hundreds of years. The government has started these works in accordance with the tribal customs and with the full approval of the tribal elders and priests' association. Of this Rs101 crore were spent on the expansion of the shrines alone. The shrine premises were built like historical monuments with about 4,000 tons of granite. The main attraction is the 271 square meter area of the Prakaram with 46 pillars, the circular gadde with 8 pillars, and the 50 feet wide main welcome arch.
Tribal culture, customs, lifestyle, and the history of the Koya clan were carved in the form of sculptures on the 32 granite pillars being constructed around the Medaram gadde. These sculptures based on 930-year-old Koyala palm leaf texts, are a special attraction. Sammakka, Saralamma, Pagiddidda Raju, Govindaraju, Jampanna, along with replicas of wild animals like tiger, deer, elephant, and peacock that reflect the diversity of the life of the tribals living in harmony with nature, have been carved.
About 750 Koya family names and more than 7,000 sculptures have been designed to inform the future generations about the tribal history. Keeping in mind the rush of devotees, roads have been widened from 60 feet to four lanes, scientific queue lines, watch towers and inns have been set up. Arrangements are made to park vehicles in an area of 1,418 acres in 42 places so that parking problem does not arise.
Meanwhile, all the roads leading to Medaram are full of vehicles and devotees’ tents. Especially, Tadwai mandal has become crowded since the last month. Medaram has become crowded as the main routes of the fair have started.
