Over 100 Injured in Traditional Dussehra Stick Fight in Andhra Pradesh

During Dussehra celebrations in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, more than 100 people were injured in a traditional stick fight that takes place annually in Devaragattu village. This event, known as Devaragattu Banni Utsav, sees two groups engaging in a stick fight as part of the festivities at the Mala Malleswara Swamy temple.

Despite police attempts to prevent the fight, the villagers consider it a significant tradition. People from different villages form two groups and use sticks to compete for the idols of deities Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy following their ceremonial wedding.

The event draws thousands of spectators from various regions, including neighboring states. While efforts to dissuade the villagers from organizing the fight have been unsuccessful, participants see injuries during the fight as a favorable omen.