Ahead of the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara in Telangana, Bajrang Dal urges devotees on purchasing practices at festival stalls, drawing public attention.

With the annual Sammakka Saralamma Jatara approaching, the Bajrang Dal in Telangana has issued an appeal to devotees regarding purchases made at the festival. Addressing the media, state convener Siva Ramulu urged visitors to buy prasadam and religious items only from Hindu-run stalls during the event.

He described the three-day gathering as a “mini Kumbh Mela” and cautioned vendors from other religious communities against setting up stalls at the venue. The organisation also asked devotees to avoid offerings sourced from non-Hindu vendors, arguing they should not be used for ritual purposes.

The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, held in Mulugu district from January 28 to 31, is one of the world’s largest tribal congregations, drawing millions of pilgrims who traditionally offer jaggery to the warrior goddesses.

Analysis: Statements around vendor participation highlight how religious events often become focal points for broader social debates. For authorities, ensuring peaceful conduct and equal enforcement of law during mass gatherings will be key to preventing tensions