It is spread over five states and numerous tribes inhabit it. Things haven't changed much there since the Kakatiyan times about 1000 years ago. Until very recently the only way to reach Medaram was by a bullock cart. All roads led to the remote Medaram village in the dense forests of Tadvai mandal of Warangal district on Wednesday as the Samakka-Sarakka jatara got off to a grand start.

Sarakka was brought from the forest in a colourful procession from Kannepalli village, 8 km from here, by the tribal priests. Its that time when the forest is transformed into a cosmopolis. Its that time when all the buses in Telangana head towards Medaram. Its that time when people are weighed in bangaram(jaggery) which is offered to the Gods. In 2008, 8 million people are estimated to attended the festival.

People from almost all the South Indian states come to worship these deities. It is the second largest religious congregation after the Maha Kumbh Mela which happens once in 12 years. Meanwhile, sources said a 60-year-old man died because of heavy boozing, while a three-year-old girl died of high fever late on Tuesday evening in the village. Its that time of the year when there are 60km long traffic jams in Warangal.