Union Minister Arjun Munda Visits Medaram Jatara, Telangana

Visit of Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Agriculture to Medaram Jatara

• Date and Location: February 24, 2024; Medaram, Mulugu district, Telangana
• Attendees: Shri Arjun Munda (Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Agriculture), Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan (Governor of Telangana and Puducherry)

Overview of Medaram Jatara

• Importance: Second-largest fair in India, celebrated by the Koya tribe
• Duration: February 21-24, 2024
• Collaboration: Organized in collaboration with the Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Telangana

Observations and Remarks by Shri Arjun Munda

• Described the intense spiritual joy and vibrant atmosphere of Medaram Jatara
• Offered prayers to the deities of Sammakka-Saralamma for the well-being and prosperity of the country
• Highlighted the festival as the biggest among tribal people, symbolizing ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’

Funding and Activities

• Funding: Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs sanctioned Rs. 2.30 crores for Medaram Jatara 2024
• Activities:
  • Promotion of Medaram tribal culture and heritage
  • Documentary on Medaram Jatara
  • Exhibition-cum-sale of tribal arts, crafts, and cuisine
  • National Tribal Dance festival
  • Strengthening of Tribal and Tribal homestays
  • Competitions for tribal youth and students
• Previous Support: Declared a State Festival in 1996; received funding from the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in 2018, 2020, and 2022

Significance and Impact

• Aims to create awareness and peaceful relationships between guests and Telangana tribal groups
• Facilitates global communication of tribal history and preservation of tribal traditions, culture, and heritage

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. Who visited the Sammakka-Saralamma Maha Jatara in Medaram, Telangana?
   • A) Shri Arjun Munda
   • B) Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan
   • C) Both A and B
   • D) None of the above
   • Answer: C) Both A and B
2. What is the duration of the Medaram Jatara celebrated in 2024?
   • A) February 21-24
   • B) March 5-8
   • C) April 15-18
   • D) January 10-13
   • Answer: A) February 21-24
3. Which department collaborated in organizing the Medaram Jatara 2024?
   • A) Ministry of Agriculture
   • B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
   • C) Ministry of Culture
   • D) Ministry of Environment
   • Answer: B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
4. What activity was NOT mentioned as part of the Medaram Jatara 2024?
   • A) Exhibition-cum-sale of tribal arts
   • B) National Tribal Dance festival
   • C) Rock concert
   • D) Strengthening of Tribal homestays
   • Answer: C) Rock concert
5. When was the Medaram Jatara declared a State Festival?
   • A) 2005
   • B) 1996
   • C) 2010
   • D) 1988
   • Answer: B) 1996