People in large numbers gathered to celebrate the Banni festival in Devaragattu village of Kurnool district despite the imposition of Section 144 in the area. At least 50 people were injured during the festival.
The government has imposed Section 144 at Devaragattu village of Kurnool district this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic where the annual stick fight takes place.
Despite police restrictions, the imposition of Section 144, and setting up check posts everywhere; people did not stop. By 10:30 PM a huge number of people assembled and started fighting with sticks.
People from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana also visited the venue. More than 50 persons were injured and many were rushed to the nearby government hospitals with critical injuries.
Stick fight is generally celebrated at night of Vijayadashami to celebrate the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati Devi over demons Mani and Mallasura who used to trouble people and saints of Devaragattu region.
The villagers usually fight among themselves to take the god’s idol to their village. Those who win the fight take the idol to their village. This is an ancient ritual. The locals believe that if they manage to take possession of the idols, it will bring prosperity to their village.
The district collector had announced a ban on this festival this year citing Covid-19 guidelines. The Kurnool district police wing had clamped section 144 to prevent the congregation of the public. But at 10.30 pm, thousands of people armed with sticks and burning torches came onto the streets and engaged in a fierce fight amidst a stampede like situation at Devaragattu, even as police personnel remained mute spectators.