Violence Erupts During Dussehra Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh
Tragic Incident at Devaragattu Banni Utsav
Screengrab image shows stick-fighting violence at Banni Festival in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh(Photo: @TweetzBallari/X)
Kurnool, Oct 22: A tragic incident occurred during the Dussehra festivities in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, where one individual lost their life and over 100 others sustained injuries in a traditional stick-fighting event.
As part of the annual Devaragattu Banni Utsav, two factions clashed with sticks late Wednesday night in Deveragattu village, continuing a long-standing tradition.
The injured were transported to hospitals in Adoni and Alur, with ten individuals reported to be in critical condition.
Those with minor injuries received treatment at a temporary medical facility established by local authorities.
The deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Potaraju from Alur.
This stick-fighting event is a customary part of the Dussehra celebrations held at the Mala Malleswara Swamy temple, situated on a hill. Despite police warnings, villagers insisted on proceeding with the fight, citing it as a cultural tradition.
During the festivities, participants from various villages split into two teams to battle for control of the idols of deities Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy following their ceremonial wedding at midnight.
Both groups engaged in the event with great zeal, and police efforts to prevent the altercation proved ineffective.
Every year, villagers from surrounding areas form two factions to vie for the idols.
Villagers from Nerani, Nerani Tanda, and Kothapeta engage in combat with devotees from Arikera, Aluru, Suluvai, Ellarthi, Nidravatti, and Bilehall, often resulting in serious injuries. However, many participants view these injuries as auspicious.
Despite authorities' attempts to discourage the fight, the villagers remain resolute. This year, over 1,000 police officers were deployed to maintain order.
Local lore suggests that Lord Shiva, in the guise of Bhairava, defeated two demons, Mani and Mallasura, with sticks, a scene reenacted by villagers on Vijayadashami. One group, representing the demons, attempts to seize the idols from the opposing team, symbolizing the divine.
Thousands flock to the village from Kurnool and neighboring districts, as well as from states like Telangana and Karnataka, to witness this traditional spectacle.