Andhra Pradesh: 1 killed in stick fight as part of annual Banni festival
Police said the annual stick fight continued despite restrictions, and 10 injured people were reported critical after the clash.
- On Wednesday night, a traditional stick fight during the Devaragattu Banni Utsav in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district left one person dead and more than 100 injured. The deceased was identified as Potaraju, 28, of Alur.
- Villagers annually defy police orders to clash with sticks, fighting to capture the idols of deities Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy. Participants believe the ritual commemorates Lord Shiva defeating demons Mani and Mallasura.
- Despite the deployment of more than 1,000 police personnel, authorities transported the injured to hospitals in Adoni and Alur, where the condition of 10 victims remains critical.
- Thousands of spectators from Kurnool, Telangana, and Karnataka gathered to witness the event on Vijayadashami day. Devotees often view receiving injuries during the fight as a good omen.
- Attempts by authorities to dissuade villagers have not yielded results, as the ritual continues to draw large crowds annually despite injury and death risks. Villagers prioritize tradition over official safety protocols.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Bloodshed at Devaragattu Banni festival, 1 killed, over 60 injured in traditional stick-fight for temple idols
A traditional festival in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district turned violent, leading to one death and many injuries. The annual Banni festival involved a ritualistic stick-fight between devotees from neighboring villages over temple idols. The clashes erupted during the ceremonial procession at Sri Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple, causing chaos among thousands of participants. Emergency responders rushed over 60 injured individuals to local hospital…
1 Killed, 100 Injured As Villagers Clash In Annual Dussehra Stick Fight In Andhra's Kurnool
<p>Kurnool, Oct 22 (IANS) One person was killed, and more than 100 were injured in the traditional fight with sticks during the Dussehra celebrations in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district.</p> <p>Like every year, two groups attacked each other with sticks during Devaragattu Banni Utsav held as part of celebrations at Deveragattu village in Holagonda ‘mandal’ (block) late on Wednesday night.</p> <p>The injured were admitted to hospitals at Adoni a…
1 Dead, Over 80 Injured as Stick-Fight Clashes Erupt at Kurnool Festival
Violent clashes broke out during the traditional Karrala Samaram festival in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district, leaving one person dead and more than 80 people injured. The incident occurred during the grand Kalyanotsavam procession of Sri Mala Malleswara Swamy, where devotees wield long bamboo sticks and torches as part of age-old rituals. The procession escalated into violent attacks between groups using sticks, leading to the death of a 28-ye…
One Dead, Over 100 Injured in Traditional Stick Fight During Dussehra Celebrations in Andhra Pradesh - Business News Week
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 […] The post One Dead, Over 100 Injured in Traditional Stick Fight During Dussehra …
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