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Students in Telangana may soon get another break, just days after the Sankranti holidays ended. Reports suggest that schools and colleges could remain closed for four days at the end of January, with the possibility of an extended five-day holiday.
The reason is the Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, considered Asia’s largest tribal festival and deeply revered across Telangana. The grand jatara will be held from January 28 to January 31, drawing lakhs of devotees from Telangana and neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra.
With schools and colleges reopening after recent holidays and exams approaching, students had just settled back into their routines. However, attending the jatara has become difficult for families
due to the absence of official holidays.
In response, PRTU leaders have urged the state government to declare holidays during the festival period, stating that teachers and students should be allowed to participate with their families.
Holidays Already Announced in the Warangal Region
Traditionally, educational institutions in the undivided Warangal district declare holidays during the Medaram jatara, as the festival is held there. This year too, local authorities have announced holidays in the region. However, since the event is now celebrated as a state-level festival, there is growing curiosity over whether the Telangana government will extend holidays across the state. An official announcement is still awaited.
Massive Crowd and Transport Arrangements
Every year, the Medaram jatara witnesses an unprecedented influx of devotees, leading to heavy congestion on roads, trains, and buses. To manage this, the Telangana government runs special transport services and makes elaborate arrangements.
If holidays are declared from January 28 to 31, and with February 1 falling on a Sunday, students could enjoy five consecutive days off, turning the Medaram jatara into a festive bonus break for families and students alike.
