Tradition and Tragedy: The Devaragattu Banni Festival Unfolds
During the Devaragattu Banni festival in Kurnool, two individuals died and 90 others were injured in a traditional stick fight. The festival, observed with strict vows and customs, faced fewer injuries this year due to enhanced safety measures, but the event highlights the balance between tradition and safety.
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- India
The annual Devaragattu Banni festival in Kurnool has resulted in tragedy, with two deaths and 90 injuries reported during the traditional stick fight event. Officials revealed the fatalities were due to a head injury and a heart attack, while the injured count was lower than in previous years.
The festival, a significant cultural event occurring on Vijay Dashami, features rituals that commence after midnight and conclude by morning. It draws a large audience from surrounding villages who participate in symbolic battles following fasting, celibacy, and dietary vows, often applying turmeric to minor wounds sustained during the event.
Substantial security measures were in place, including the deployment of 1,000 police personnel and surveillance with 10 drones. Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil noted that community outreach through 32 awareness campaigns in 16 villages contributed to reducing the severity of clashes, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining tradition and ensuring public safety.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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