ANDHRA PRADESH: Two Dead, 100 Injured in Devaragattu Bunny Festival Tragedy
In a shocking turn of events at the revered Mala Malleswara Swamy Banni Jaitrayatra, what began as a vibrant celebration of faith ended in tragedy.
Held in the scenic Devaragattu village of Holagunda mandal, Kurnool district, the festival drew over 200,000 devotees. Yet, a fierce rivalry over sacred idols sparked violence that claimed lives and left scores wounded.
The Deadly Dispute
The procession unfolded late Thursday night, following the ceremonial marriage of Swami and Ammavari at the hilltop temple.
As the idols descended the ghat, two rival groups vied aggressively to carry them forward, a tradition rooted in devotion but prone to escalation.
Tensions boiled over into a brutal stick fight, with participants wielding wooden clubs in a chaotic melee.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of pandemonium amid the flickering torchlight and rhythmic chants.
The clash lasted mere minutes but inflicted severe harm, underscoring the thin line between ritual fervor and reckless aggression.
Toll of the Tragedy
Two devotees lost their lives from critical injuries sustained in the fray:
- Thimmappa, a resident of Arikeri village
- Basavaraj, hailing from neighboring Karnataka
More than 100 others suffered injuries, including five in grave condition requiring intensive care.
Local medical teams acted swiftly, transporting the wounded to government hospitals in Adoni and Alur for urgent treatment.
Authorities reported that the rapid response helped stabilize most victims, though the emotional scars on the community run deep.
Festival’s Fiery Legacy
The Banni Jaitrayatra, also known as the Bunny Festival, honors the divine victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy.
This annual event, coinciding with Dussehra, transforms the quiet Devaragattu hills into a sea of color and sound.
Devotees from across Andhra Pradesh and beyond converge for rituals, music, and the symbolic stick battles that reenact ancient lore.
While these mock combats symbolize protection of the deities, past years have seen similar outbursts, prompting calls for stricter oversight to preserve the festival’s spiritual essence.
Path Forward
Police have launched an investigation to identify instigators and prevent future escalations.
Community leaders urge participants to channel their zeal into peaceful participation, ensuring the Bunny Festival remains a beacon of unity rather than division.
As dawn broke over Devaragattu, the air still hummed with prayers for the departed and healing for the hurt.