Kurnool: Two people lost their lives and at least 90 others were injured during the traditional stick fight of the Devaragattu Banni festival in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, officials confirmed on Friday.
The annual event, held on Vijayadashami night, begins after midnight rituals marking the celestial wedding of Mala Malleswara Swamy and concludes at dawn. Thousands of villagers from surrounding areas gather to participate, with devotees following vows of fasting, celibacy, and dietary discipline before engaging in the ritualistic clashes.
Sub-Collector Mourya Bharadwaj said one participant succumbed to a severe head injury, while another died of a heart attack. He noted that the number of injuries this year was lower compared to previous years, despite 90 people requiring medical attention for wounds.
Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil stated that nearly 1,000 police personnel, along with 10 drones, were deployed to monitor the event. He added that 32 awareness campaigns were conducted across 16 villages in advance, which helped reduce violent clashes during the festival.
Despite repeated casualties, the centuries-old ritual continues each year, as villagers defend the tradition with devotion, while authorities attempt to balance faith, culture, and public safety.
