KURNOOL: The annual Banni festival, locally known as Karrala Samaram, turned tragic on Thursday night at Devaragattu hills in Holagunda mandal, Kurnool district, when four devotees were killed and more than 100 others sustained bleeding injuries during the traditional stick fight.
Officials said nearly three lakh devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana thronged Sri Mala Malleswara Swamy temple for the centuries-old ritual. About 3,500 participants clashed with sticks in a symbolic reenactment of Lord Shiva as Bhairava slaying demons Mani and Mallasura.
The heavy rush triggered a stampede, leaving four dead and over 100 injured. Seven critically hurt devotees were shifted to Adoni Government Hospital, while dozens received treatment at Aluru hospital.
Temple committee chairman G. Sreenivasulu said devotees believe bleeding injuries in the ritual are a mark of divine blessing. Villagers from Neradiki, Kothapeta and nearby hamlets represent Lord Shiva’s followers, while rival groups portray the demons, resulting in fierce but ritualized clashes.
Despite recurring casualties, no police complaints are ever lodged as participants treat the combat as sacred tradition. Nearly 800 police personnel were deployed, but the massive turnout overwhelmed security arrangements.
The incident has once again revived debate over how to balance faith and public safety, as the dangerous ritual continues to draw huge crowds every year.