70 Injured in Violent Stick Fight at Devara Gattu Festival in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool District

Script: At least 70 people were injured during the Banni Utsav, a traditional stick fight held as part of the Devara Gattu Festival in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The annual event, held on Dussehra night, saw rival groups from eight villages armed with sticks clash violently in a bid to claim their local deities’ idols. Despite heavy security with 800 police officers, the situation escalated, leaving many injured, two of whom are in critical condition. The district administration’s measures to control violence, including surveillance through CCTV and drone cameras, proved ineffective. The injured are currently being treated in local hospitals, with two in serious condition at Adoni Area Hospital. Thousands of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka attend this event every year, which continues to spark concerns over public safety.

The Devaragattu Banni Utsav, held annually in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, is celebrated for the following reasons:

1. Mythological Significance: The festival commemorates the killing of a demon by deities Malamma and Malleswara Swamy. The stick fight symbolizes the battle between good and evil.


2. Ritual Stick Fight: Two groups from neighboring villages engage in a traditional stick fight, where they try to capture the idols of the deities. This represents their devotion and claim over the local deities.


3. Dussehra Tradition: The event takes place at midnight on Dussehra day, reinforcing the victory of good over evil.


4. Generational Practice: The ritual has been passed down for decades, becoming a cultural tradition for the villagers.



Despite efforts by authorities to curb violence, the event often results in clashes, as it’s deeply rooted in rivalry and local beliefs.

Videos are from 13th October around 1 AM