Villagers, armed with sticks, participating in the Banni festival at Devaragattu in Holagunda mandal of Kurnool district on Wednesday night. | Photo Credit: U. SUBRAMANYAM
One devotee died and at least 70 people sustained injuries in the annual Banni festival, also known as Karrela Samaram, held at Devaragattu Hills near Sri Malamalleswara Swamy temple in Holagunda mandal of Kurnool district on Wednesday midnight.
The deceased has been identified as Pothuraju (35), a native of Aluru village in Kurnool district.
Eight people who suffered critical injuries were shifted to Adoni Area Hospital.
According to reports, nearly three lakh people from across the district and neighbouring Karnataka and Telangana thronged the hill to watch the annual stick fight. Nearly 3,000 people from nearby villages clashed with each other with sticks leading to injuries to several devotees.
Published - October 22, 2026 07:05 pm IST