“Two dead, 90 injured during Devaragattu Banni festival in Andhra Pradesh”
Two Dead, 90 Injured During Devaragattu Banni Festival in Andhra Pradesh: Sub-Collector Mourya Bharadwaj Says One Died of Head Injury, Another of Heart Attack
The annual Devaragattu Banni festival in Andhra Pradesh turned tragic this year, as two people lost their lives and nearly 90 were injured during the traditional celebrations in Kurnool district. According to Sub-Collector Mourya Bharadwaj, one person succumbed to a severe head injury, while another died of a heart attack amid the festivities. Despite the casualties, officials reported that injuries were fewer compared with previous years, highlighting improved safety measures and better crowd management.
A Tradition Steeped in History and Devotion
The Devaragattu Banni festival, celebrated in Devaragattu village of Holagunda Mandal, is one of the most unique and ancient events in southern India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating the slaying of the demon Mani by Lord Malleshwara Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Each year, thousands of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka gather at the Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple to take part in the symbolic re-enactment of this mythological event.
Central to the celebration is the Banni fight, a ritual combat where participants, divided into groups, hit one another with sticks (locally known as lathis) in a traditional show of devotion and courage. The event usually begins at midnight and continues into the early hours of the morning. For locals, this is not merely a fight; it is an expression of faith, a centuries-old practice that binds the community in shared heritage.
The Tragedy Unfolds
On this year’s festival night, the excitement and energy that filled Devaragattu took a dark turn. As thousands of participants joined the ritualistic fight, chaos ensued. Amid the intense crowd and flying sticks, one devotee sustained a fatal head injury, while another collapsed due to a suspected heart attack. Medical teams stationed nearby rushed to provide emergency care, but the two could not be saved.
Sub-Collector Mourya Bharadwaj confirmed the unfortunate deaths and extended condolences to the bereaved families. “One person died due to a severe head injury, while another suffered a heart attack. We have ensured that all injured participants receive proper medical attention. Compared with previous years, the number of injuries has significantly reduced,” he said.
Improved Safety, Yet Challenges Persist
Over the years, the Devaragattu Banni festival has gained notoriety for the large number of injuries it records annually. The ritual combat, while symbolic, often results in serious wounds as participants fiercely swing sticks in devotion. In earlier years, hundreds of devotees were injured, with several deaths reported due to uncontrolled crowds and lack of medical support.
Authorities have taken steps to reduce the risks associated with the event. This year, additional police personnel were deployed, and medical camps were set up at strategic points. Volunteers and health workers were on standby, equipped with first-aid kits and ambulances ready for emergency evacuations.
Despite these measures, preventing injuries during such a mass event remains an uphill task. The festival attracts tens of thousands of devotees, and the deeply rooted cultural significance of the Banni fight makes it difficult to impose strict restrictions. “The Banni festival is an emotional event for the locals. People believe participating brings them blessings. Our goal is to maintain the sanctity of the tradition while ensuring everyone’s safety,” explained an official from the Kurnool district administration.
The Spirit of Devotion and Cultural Heritage
The Banni festival is more than a spectacle of sticks and sweat—it is a living expression of faith. Families prepare for weeks, and entire villages travel in groups, carrying torches and singing hymns. The air is thick with devotion as chants of “Har Har Mahadev!” echo through the hills. At midnight, as the symbolic fight begins, the night sky glows with fire torches and the rhythmic beating of drums fills the valley.
For devotees, enduring pain is seen as a form of sacrifice. Many participants return home bruised yet proud, believing they have fulfilled their spiritual duty. “We come here every year. It’s a part of who we are,” said one local villager. “Even though there are injuries, the blessings we receive are worth it.”
A Balancing Act Between Faith and Safety
The government faces a delicate task—preserving a centuries-old tradition while ensuring that the festival does not become a site of tragedy. Over the last few years, there have been calls from various quarters to modernise or regulate the event to make it safer. Some have suggested replacing wooden sticks with symbolic alternatives or introducing time limits to control the chaos.
However, local priests and community leaders argue that altering the ritual could dilute its spiritual essence. “This is a tradition handed down by our ancestors. We can make it safer, but we should not lose its meaning,” said a temple trustee. To bridge the gap, authorities have been engaging with community elders to create awareness about responsible participation.
The Way Forward
As the sun rose over Devaragattu the next morning, the village slowly returned to calm. Emergency responders continued treating the injured, and the families of the deceased mourned their losses. Yet, amid the sorrow, there remained a sense of pride and faith that the festival’s spirit would endure.
Officials have vowed to further strengthen safety protocols in future celebrations. “We are committed to ensuring that next year’s Banni festival is conducted with even more care. Our aim is zero fatalities,” stated Sub-Collector Bharadwaj. Plans include more barricades, restricted zones, better lighting, and increased public awareness campaigns before the event.
A Festival of Contrasts
The Devaragattu Banni festival stands as a striking example of India’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity—where faith and fervour meet risk and resilience. It is a celebration that reflects the duality of devotion: the ecstasy of belief intertwined with the agony of sacrifice. While tragic incidents cast a shadow over this year’s festivities, the underlying message remains unchanged—the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the unbreakable bond between tradition and faith.
As the state mourns the loss of two lives, it also reflects on the enduring importance of balancing cultural heritage with public safety. The Devaragattu Banni festival will continue to draw thousands in the years to come, but the hope is that devotion will no longer come at the cost of life.
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