Maori tribal representatives from New Zealand visit Medaram ahead of the Sammakka–Saralamma Jathara, performing the powerful Haka dance in a rare Indo–New Zealand cultural exchange celebrating global indigenous traditions and unity.
In a remarkable display of global indigenous solidarity, Maori tribal representatives from New Zealand visited Medaram village in Telangana’s Mulugu district on Monday, ahead of the iconic Sammakka–Saralamma Jathara, which is scheduled to commence on January 28. The visit marked a rare and meaningful moment of international tribal cultural exchange, drawing widespread attention from devotees, officials, and cultural enthusiasts.
The Maori delegation performed the traditional Haka dance, a powerful ceremonial performance deeply rooted in Maori culture. Traditionally used to motivate warriors before battle, the Haka is also a symbol of unity, strength, identity, and respect. The rhythmic movements, intense facial expressions, and synchronized chants captivated the audience and added a vibrant global dimension to the sacred tribal gathering at Medaram.
Officials described the visit as a historic occasion that highlighted the shared cultural values of indigenous communities across continents. The performance attracted large crowds of pilgrims and visitors, many of whom witnessed such a cultural exchange for the first time at the Medaram Jathara venue.
The visit is part of the Indo–New Zealand cultural exchange programme, initiated by Telangana Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Seethakka. The minister personally welcomed the Maori delegation and joined them during their performance, symbolising unity and mutual respect between indigenous cultures.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Seethakka emphasized that tribal culture transcends geographical boundaries. She noted that indigenous communities across the world share a profound relationship with nature, forests, and ancestral traditions. According to her, such cultural exchanges not only celebrate diversity but also strengthen global understanding, respect, and cooperation among tribal societies.
“These interactions help us rediscover the universality of tribal wisdom and traditions,” the minister said, adding that cultural diplomacy plays a vital role in preserving indigenous heritage in a rapidly globalising world.
Following the cultural programme, the Maori delegation was taken for darshan of the tribal deities Sammakka and Saralamma. The minister explained the historical and spiritual significance of the deities, who are revered symbols of tribal resistance, justice, and cultural pride in Telangana. The visiting delegates were later felicitated as a gesture of goodwill and respect.
The Sammakka–Saralamma Jathara, often referred to as Asia’s largest tribal festival, is held once every two years in Medaram. The festival is deeply rooted in tribal traditions and commemorates the legendary mother-daughter duo who fought against injustice centuries ago. The four-day event will be held from January 28 to January 31 this year.
More than 1.5 crore devotees from Telangana and neighbouring states such as Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha are expected to attend the festival. Authorities anticipate even larger crowds this year, owing to improved infrastructure and heightened national and international attention.
Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also highlighted the significance of the Medaram Maha Jathara in his address on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. He stated that the state government has accorded the highest priority to the biennial festival and sanctioned Rs 251 crore for permanent infrastructure development, while ensuring that tribal customs and traditions remain untouched.
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Contrasting past practices, the governor noted that the focus has shifted from temporary arrangements to long-term facilities that respect the sanctity of the festival. He further added that over two crore devotees are expected to participate in this year’s Jathara, underlining its growing prominence on the global cultural map.
The visit by the Maori delegation has reinforced Medaram’s status not only as a spiritual centre but also as a global platform for indigenous cultural dialogue.
