It is an all-out stick fight: Visit the Banni festival next time in AP

The 'Banni Festival' in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is held on the eve of Dussehra (Vijayadasami). If you are a casual passer-by, you will be baffled - for the festival seems like nothing but. It is violent, and bloodshed is common - but it is so integral a part of the culture of the land that it is celebrated every year. 

Held on the premises of a local temple atop the hill, the villagers engage in mock stick fight to wield control over the idols of principal deities at the temple as they are brought down the hill.  

Even though the festival has eons of history, the event is often controversial - the main reason being the high number casualties. Several attempts have been made by the authorities to tone down the intensity of the event- however, the locals do not take no for an answer.  Year after year, the state machinery takes the extra effort to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. And every year, the number of people participating keeps increasing. 

On the eve of Dussehra, over a lakh of people assemble at Devaragattu Hills, Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh to celebrate the annual 'Banni Festival'. The religious festival held in the premises of Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple attracts villagers in the vicinity as well as people across the Karnataka border. Some as spectators, others as participants in the mock stick fighting-the main attraction of the event. 

A group of villagers proceed up the hill with drums beating and the flaming torch lighting up the path. 

The myth goes thus. Two demons tortured the saints who lived down the hill. Later Lord Parameshwara and Parvati destroyed the demons on the night of Dussehra and appeared, victorious atop the hillock. 

Every year, villagers offer prayer at the Mala Malleswara Swamy temple. Residents of Neraki village acts as the protectors of the idols and bring them downhill. Residents of Kothapet and adjacent villages try to block the idols believing it would bring prosperity to their villages. 

In an act of immense devotion and aggression, villagers engage in a mock stick fight to wield control over the idols. 

These sticks are not normal sticks. They come with a metal ring on the top. And it is this metal ring that causes injuries. Sometimes the injuries are fatal - with eleven injuries being reported this year. Blood spill is considered part of devotion and gratitude to the lord. 

Villagers fight for space atop the adjacent buildings to watch the action. The premises are vibrant with flaming torches and cheers of people from midnight to dawn.  Away from the attention of national media, local media cover the event extensively with a live telecast of the proceedings. 

Over 1200 policeman were deployed this year to avoid any untoward incidents as there were incidents of deaths and severe injuries in the past. Additionally CCTV cameras and drones were deployed to monitor the situation. Several ambulances and medical teams were on standby. A male-dominated event, the villagers take series of victory processions downhill with flaming torches and blood spilled over their clothes- an act symbolizing the killing of the demon.  After jubilations, devotees disperse at dawn after a fortune-telling session by the priest only to return with same vigor next year. 

Also read : Festival & culture | Three unique festivals that transcend religious barriers ..