Overview
The Devaragattu Banni festival, a centuries‑old ritual near Devaragattu on the Deccan hills in Kurnool district, turned violent during the Dasara season in 2025. Officials confirmed two fatalities and more than 100 people injured as rival groups clashed with sticks during the ceremonial procession that follows the temple’s annual girijan yatra. The incident, which occurred in the small hours of Dasara night, has sparked a debate about safety, tradition, and the future of a festival that draws crowds from across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
What Happened
According to police and hospital sources, the violence erupted as the decorated mantas and deity effigies were being paraded around the Mal Malleshwara Swamy temple precinct. Two factions from nearby villages—one from Nerediki, Neradi, and newt villages, and the other from Ellarti, Arike, Sulavai, Maddigeri, Nitravati, Hebbettem, and surrounding areas—engaged in a brutal melee using wooden clubs. What began as a ritual competition to protect the deity’s honour quickly devolved into a scene of bloodshed. Early reports note that several participants were seriously injured, with many taken to Adoni Government Hospital for urgent care.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 3 a.m. on the festival’s peak night, when the crowd would typically be at its most animated after a day of prayers, processions, and temple rituals. While the specific trigger remains under investigation, the clash underscored the volatility that can accompany long‑standing local customs.
Context and Tradition
The Devaragattu Banni rite is deeply embedded in regional folklore. The hill temple of Mall Malleshwara is said to commemorate a mythic battle where Bhairava and his foes were subdued, and the festival’s “banni” procession reenacts that era. Locals describe the march and the ensuing “karral samaram” (stick‑fighting) as a display of courage and communal identity, a tradition passed down through generations across Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. For many devotees, the event is less about spectacle and more about safeguarding sacred legacy.
However, the annual clash—set against the backdrop of Dasara celebrations—has long divided opinion. Supporters argue that it is a heritage ritual that must continue, while critics warn that the practice risks escalating into deadly violence every year. This year’s fatalities and injuries have intensified calls for reform and oversight to prevent a repeat of such losses.
Response and Repercussions
Police and district administration say they anticipated large crowds but could not avert the outbreak of violence. In the lead‑up to the event, officials had deployed around 700 police personnel and set up 200 CCTV cameras, plus a temporary medical facility, to manage the crowd and monitor the procession. Alcohol prohibitions and awareness drives were part of the strategy, but they did not stop the confrontation. Some community members describe the injuries as unfortunate but still attribute the acts of violence to a mismanaged tradition rather than malicious intent.
Five of the injured remained in critical condition as of the latest medical updates, with several others recovering after treatment. The administration has announced investigations into the incident and said it would review security arrangements for future editions of the festival. Local residents and social workers are calling for a dialogue that preserves cultural aspects while implementing safeguards against violence during the celebrations.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
The Devaragattu Banni festival draws participants from multiple states, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Beyond the immediate tragedy, observers worry about the reputational damage to a festival that once symbolized unity through ritual artistry. Officials say they will consider stricter crowd management measures, better separation of rival groups, and clear guidelines on processional conduct to prevent clashes in subsequent years. The case has also sparked renewed attention on child and elder safety at large rural gatherings and the need for inclusive community discussions when traditions are at risk of turning violent.
Conclusion
As investigations proceed, the central questions remain: how can a cherished cultural ritual be safeguarded without erasing its essence, and who bears responsibility for preventing loss of life when passion and tradition collide? The Devaragattu community and authorities face a difficult path forward—one that honors heritage while prioritizing the safety and dignity of all participants and bystanders. The festival’s future rests on resilient dialogue, accountable policing, and pragmatic reforms that respect faith without tolerating violence.
