Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy said Medaram Jatara could not gain national status because the Centre had not granted such recognition to any festival. He made the comment in Warangal on Saturday after travelling from Hyderabad on the Vande Bharat Express. Soon after arriving, he reviewed ongoing railway station works and interacted with staff during a ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ session. Later, he visited the Bhadrakali Temple and offered prayers.
During the interaction, he said the Centre remained committed to improving facilities at Medaram Jatara. Moreover, he pointed out that the festival held major tribal and cultural importance. He also highlighted progress at Ramappa Temple and the Thousand Pillar Temple, stressing that heritage restoration remained a continuous effort in Warangal.
Medaram Jatara debate intensifies as state renews its demand
The demand for Medaram Jatara to receive national festival status grew sharper in recent weeks. Kishan Reddy said the Union government sought cooperation from the state for facility upgrades; however, officials received no response. Consequently, he argued that coordination must improve to support devotees and streamline arrangements.
At the same time, the Telangana government continued to push its case. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy raised the demand repeatedly and sought central funds comparable to the Kumbh Mela. He maintained that Asia’s largest tribal gathering needed substantial allocation to serve rising crowds and modernise the festival zone.
Medaram Jatara preparations move forward for January event
The next edition of Medaram Jatara will run from January 28 to 31 next year. Meanwhile, the state launched a master plan aimed at strengthening long-term infrastructure. Officials said the plan would reshape festival access, enhance movement corridors and support future visitor needs. Several departments already began executing their assigned works to meet the festival timeline.