Tragedy Strikes at Devaragattu Banni Festival: Two Dead in Stick Fight

The Devaragattu Banni festival in Kurnool District turned tragic this year as two participants lost their lives and 90 others were injured during a traditional stick fight, local officials reported on Friday.

Celebrated on Vijay Dashami, the festival begins after midnight rituals and involves villagers participating in stick fights to symbolically capture a sacred idol. Despite the dangerous nature of the activity, the festival draws thousands annually.

Officials have made concerted efforts to increase safety, deploying around 1,000 police officers and utilizing drones for surveillance, while awareness campaigns aim to minimize violent clashes. This year, one fatality was due to a severe head injury and another to a heart attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)