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Kurnool: Tragic strikes after three people killed, while over 90 people were injured during a traditional stick fight festival, also regionally known as Banni festival, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district.
Out of the 90 people injured, the condition of eight people is said to be critical. Those injured during the stick-fight were taken to Adoni and Aluru government hospitals in Kurnool district.
The accident unfolded when devotees climbed on nearby trees to witness the festival and the tree branch broke and fell on people. On Tuesday, lakhs of devotees attended the Devaragattu Jaitra Yatra.
Every year this festival is held on the day next to Vijay Dashami on the account of the victory of Srimala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over demonish Mani and Mallasura, who troubled the people at Devaragattu region. The stick fight tradition was conducted amid the deployment of tight security at the arena in the Devaragattu area.
Keeping the ancient traditions alive, participants demonstrate remarkable resolve by continuing to fight even after sustaining injuries, sometimes until they are soaked in blood. The ritual is part of commemorating the demon’s defeat at the hands of Lord Siva’s reincarnation.
Devotees from neighboring villages, such as Neraniki, Neranikithanda, Kothapeta, Suluvai, Aluru, Bilehallu, Virupapuram, and others, gathered at Devaragattu with sticks to participate in the festival. And after getting permission from the temple committee president Gummanuru Srinivasulu, Kurnool SP G Krishnakanth, Adoni Sub-Collector Abhishek Kumar, Pathikonda RDO Mohandas, and DSP Srinivas Reddy, the stick fight was organized.
Thousands from Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana had gathered to participate in the festivity. Police officials and state administration had made elaborate arrangements to keep the festivity incident-free.
