Two people were killed and 90 others suffered injuries during a traditional stick fight held as part of the Devaragattu Banni festival in the Kurnool district, an official confirmed on Friday.
The Banni festival, which takes place on Vijayadashami, is an annual event that draws thousands of villagers from neighbouring regions. The action typically begins after the midnight rituals that follow the wedding of Mala Malleswara Swamy and concludes in the early morning.
Participants in the ritualistic fight adhere to stringent vows, including fasting, celibacy, and strict dietary discipline. They engage in the stick fights as a symbolic attempt to capture the idol, with turmeric applied to treat the minor wounds that are frequently sustained during the event.
Sub-Collector Mourya Bharadwaj confirmed the deaths: one person succumbed to a severe head injury, while the other died from a heart attack. Bharadwaj noted that the number of injuries was lower compared to previous years.
"Two people died and several injured during the Devaragattu Banni festival stick fight in Kurnool district," he told the media.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikrant Patil reported that safety measures included the deployment of nearly 1,000 police personnel and ten drones. He added that over 32 awareness campaigns across 16 villages were instrumental in minimising violent clashes this year.
Despite the frequent injuries, officials maintain that the festival is celebrated with restraint and devotion. Villagers are committed to following the ancient customs, while authorities face the constant challenge of balancing this deep-seated tradition with the essential requirements of safety and public order.
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