Kurnool, Oct 22: One person was killed and more than 100 others injured during a traditional stick fight held as part of the annual Dussehra celebrations at Devaragattu village in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, officials said.
Representational Image
The violent clash took place late Wednesday night during the Devaragattu Banni Utsav in Holagunda mandal, where devotees from several villages gathered for the centuries-old ritual associated with the Mala Malleswara Swamy temple.
The deceased was identified as Potaraju, 28, a resident of Alur. Among the injured, around 10 people were reported to be in critical condition, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured were rushed to hospitals in Adoni and Alur for treatment. Those with minor injuries received medical attention at a temporary facility established by the authorities near the venue.
Thousands Gather for Annual Ritual
The Banni Utsav is observed every year during the Dussehra festivities at the Mala Malleswara Swamy temple, situated on a hillock at Devaragattu. The ritual centres on a symbolic battle in which participants wield sticks to gain possession of the idols of deities Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy following their ceremonial wedding around midnight.
According to local belief, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Bhairava and defeated the demons Mani and Mallasura with sticks. The annual event reenacts this mythological episode, with participants divided into two rival groups representing the divine forces and the demons.
Villagers from Nerani, Nerani Tanda and Kothapeta traditionally take part on one side, while devotees from Arikera, Alur, Suluvai, Ellarthi, Nidravatti and Bilehall participate on the other.
During the ritual, members of the two groups engage in fierce stick fighting as they attempt to seize the sacred idols from their rivals. The practice frequently results in serious injuries, which some devotees regard as an auspicious part of the tradition.
Police Measures Fail to Prevent Violence
Despite repeated efforts by the authorities to discourage the dangerous practice, the ritual continued this year. Police had reportedly issued directions against the stick fight and deployed more than 1,000 personnel to maintain order and prevent injuries.
However, the preventive measures failed to stop the participants from engaging in the clash, resulting in one death and more than 100 injuries.
The recurring violence during the annual festival has posed a persistent challenge for law enforcement agencies, which face resistance from sections of the local population who consider the ritual an integral part of their religious and cultural heritage.
Major Attraction for Devotees
The Devaragattu Banni Utsav draws thousands of devotees from across Kurnool district, neighbouring areas and states such as Telangana and Karnataka. Large crowds gather to witness the midnight ritual, which remains a significant annual event for the surrounding villages.
Despite repeated appeals from authorities to abandon the dangerous practice, the tradition continues to attract enthusiastic participation.
The latest casualty has once again brought the risks associated with the ritual into focus, highlighting the challenge of balancing longstanding religious customs with public safety during large-scale festivals.