Dussehra stick fight in Kurnool kills 1, injures 100+ at Devaragattu Banni Utsav
Synopsis
Every year, authorities deploy hundreds of police personnel to stop the Devaragattu Banni Utsav stick fight — and every year, they fail. This Dussehra, the ritual in Kurnool's Holagonda mandal claimed one life and left over 100 injured, with 10 in critical condition, exposing a stubborn governance gap between cultural tradition and public safety.
Key Takeaways
Potaraju (28) of Alur was killed during the Devaragattu Banni Utsav stick fight on 22 October 2025 in Kurnool district , Andhra Pradesh.
More than 100 people were injured; 10 are in critical condition and admitted to hospitals in Adoni and Alur .
Over 1,000 police personnel were deployed but failed to prevent the fight.
Two groups of villagers fought to take possession of idols of deities Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy as part of a centuries-old ritual at Mala Malleswara Swamy temple .
Participants from Telangana and Karnataka also attend the annual event, which draws thousands of spectators.
One person was killed and more than 100 others were injured during the traditional Devaragattu Banni Utsav stick fight held as part of Dussehra celebrations in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, late on Wednesday night, 22 October 2025. The deceased was identified as Potaraju (28), a resident of Alur. At least 10 of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
What Happened at Deveragattu
The annual ritual unfolded at Mala Malleswara Swamy temple, situated on a hillock in Deveragattu village, Holagonda mandal. As in previous years, two groups of villagers fought with sticks at midnight following the ceremonial wedding of deities Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy. The competing sides — one drawn from Nerani, Nerani Tanda and Kothapeta villages, the other from Arikera, Aluru, Suluvai, Ellarthi, Nidravatti and Bilehall villages — fought to take possession of the idols of the deities.
The injured were rushed to hospitals in Adoni and Alur, while those with minor wounds were treated at a temporary medical facility set up by local authorities ahead of the event.
Police Deployment Failed to Stop the Fight
Authorities deployed more than 1,000 police personnel this year in an attempt to prevent the fight, yet villagers defied the prohibitory orders — as they have done consistently in previous years. The preventive measures had no impact on the gathering, which draws thousands of spectators from Kurnool and surrounding districts, as well as from neighbouring states Telangana and Karnataka.
Notably, this is not an isolated incident — the Banni Utsav has resulted in casualties and injuries annually, with authorities repeatedly failing to enforce restrictions. The pattern raises persistent questions about the state's ability to balance cultural rights with public safety obligations.
The Tradition Behind the Ritual
According to local belief, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Bhairava and defeated two demons, Mani and Mallasura, using sticks. On Vijayadashami, one group of villagers enacts the role of the demons and attempts to wrest the idols from the rival group representing the divine side. Participants regard injuries sustained during the fight as a mark of divine favour and a good omen.
Authorities Under Scrutiny
Despite repeated deployments and court interventions in past years, the administration has been unable to stop the fight. Critics argue that a more structured engagement with community leaders — rather than last-minute police cordons — is needed to prevent fatalities. With one confirmed death and 10 critically injured individuals, pressure is likely to mount on the Andhra Pradesh government to act more decisively before next year's event.
Point of View
000 police personnel and still recording a fatality and 100-plus injuries suggests the state's approach of reactive policing has reached its limits. What is missing is sustained dialogue with community and religious leaders in the months between festivals, not just at the last hour. The broader question — whether the state can legally and ethically prohibit a religious practice without community consent — remains unresolved, and until it is, the death toll will keep climbing.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Devaragattu Banni Utsav stick fight?
The Devaragattu Banni Utsav is an annual ritual held at Mala Malleswara Swamy temple in Deveragattu village, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, during Dussehra. Two groups of villagers fight with sticks at midnight to take possession of the idols of deities Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy after their ceremonial wedding, re-enacting a mythological battle involving Lord Shiva.
Who was killed in the 2025 Dussehra stick fight in Kurnool?
The deceased was identified as Potaraju, aged 28, a resident of Alur in Kurnool district. He died during the stick fight held on the night of 22 October 2025.
How many people were injured and how serious are the injuries?
More than 100 people were injured in the fight. Ten of them are reported to be in critical condition and were hospitalised in Adoni and Alur; those with minor injuries were treated at a temporary hospital set up by authorities at the site.
Why did police fail to stop the fight despite heavy deployment?
Authorities deployed over 1,000 police personnel this year, yet villagers defied prohibitory orders as they have done in previous years. Officials have repeatedly been unable to enforce restrictions, as participants regard the fight as a sacred religious tradition and consider injuries a divine blessing.
Which villages participate in the Devaragattu stick fight?
One group comprises villagers from Nerani, Nerani Tanda and Kothapeta, while the rival group comes from Arikera, Aluru, Suluvai, Ellarthi, Nidravatti and Bilehall. Spectators also travel from across Kurnool district and from neighbouring Telangana and Karnataka.
