One person died and more than 100 were injured during a traditional stick fight at the annual Banni festival in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, on the night of October 21, 2026. The incident occurred at Devaragattu, where thousands of devotees gathered for the centuries-old ritual, according to Hindustan Times.

The deceased was identified as Pothuraju, 28, a resident of Alur, who reportedly suffered fatal injuries after being struck with sticks. At least ten other devotees were reported to be in critical condition. The incident has renewed concerns about public safety during one of the region's most unusual religious traditions.

Andhra Pradesh Banni Festival Stick Fight: What Happened at Devaragattu?

The celebrations took place at the Sri Mala Malleswara Swamy temple in Holagonda mandal, Andhra Pradesh, India, where devotees gather every year following Dussehra. The ritual, locally known as Karrala Samaram, involves groups from neighbouring villages competing to take possession of the ceremonial idols of Mallamma and Malleswara Swamy.

The festivities began after the ceremonial wedding of the deities around midnight. Devotees then carried the idols in a procession down the hill as groups armed with sticks and flaming torches gathered.

According to police accounts, the confrontation continued for more than half an hour, leaving several participants with head injuries and other wounds. Despite repeated warnings from authorities, devotees continued participating in the traditional contest.

Over 100 Injured, Ten Reportedly Critical

The stick fight left more than 100 people injured, with ten reportedly in critical condition, according to IANS reporting carried by AP7AM. The seriously injured were taken to hospitals in Adoni and Alur, while those with minor injuries received treatment at temporary medical facilities established near the festival venue.

Local reports described chaotic scenes as medical teams assisted injured devotees after the confrontation. However, the casualty figures remain provisional. While Hindustan Times and IANS reported more than 100 injuries, some early reports cited lower numbers. A final consolidated casualty count from district health authorities had not been independently established in the reports reviewed on October 22.

What Police Did Before the Festival

Authorities had made extensive security arrangements in Kurnool district ahead of the annual celebrations. According to Deccan Chronicle, officials planned to deploy approximately 1,000 police personnel, 110 night-vision CCTV cameras, ten drones and five checkposts. Police also conducted awareness campaigns in surrounding villages, warning participants against using the gathering to settle personal disputes.

Preventive operations resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 sticks, while legal preventive proceedings were initiated against 190 individuals. Despite these preparations, authorities were unable to prevent the reported violence. The incident raises questions about whether surveillance and police deployment alone can adequately protect participants during such large gatherings.

Why This Centuries-Old Tradition Continues

The Banni festival is linked to local religious beliefs surrounding Sri Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvathi. According to the government's Incredible India tourism portal, the ritual symbolically recreates the deities' victory over the demons Mani and Mallasura.

For communities preserving cultural traditions in Andhra Pradesh, India, the annual celebration carries deep religious significance. Devotees from neighbouring villages participate in the symbolic contest, believing it represents devotion and the triumph of good over evil. However, the repeated injuries have created a difficult challenge for authorities attempting to balance religious traditions with public safety. The latest fatality has again raised questions about whether safer alternatives could preserve the ceremony without putting participants at risk.

What Happens Next?

Following this year's Banni festival, attention has shifted to the treatment of injured devotees and the response from local authorities. Police and district officials may face renewed pressure to review crowd management, enforcement and security arrangements before future celebrations. The challenge will be preventing another dangerous stick fight while respecting the cultural importance of the event.

As of October 22, no confirmed announcement of new restrictions or a revised safety policy had been established in the reports reviewed. For now, the immediate priority remains the injured devotees and whether authorities in Kurnool district release an updated casualty count. The tragedy highlights a recurring concern: protecting centuries-old traditions must also mean protecting the people who participate in them.