Tragedy struck the Devaragattu village in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh during the Banni festival when two individuals lost their lives, and approximately 40 others sustained injuries, news agency PTI reported a police official as informing on Wednesday. The fatal mishap occurred as two individuals plummeted from a tree branch in an attempt to evade a thrown flaming torch during the festival, which traditionally takes place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. The incident transpired when an individual inadvertently hurled a flaming torch toward the tree, leading to the tragic accident.
Kurnool's Superintendent of Police (SP), G. Krishnakanth, informed PTI, "Two persons died after somebody unintentionally threw a flaming torch towards the tree, and they fell trying to escape it." He went on to explain that numerous spectators had ascended tree branches to obtain a better vantage point to witness the festivities.
Furthermore, the festival includes a stick fight as part of its customs, during which more than 40 people sustained injuries, as confirmed by the police official.
Amidst the fatal mishap, another fatality occurred due to natural causes, the police official reported, identifying the individual as a resident of Karnataka.
The Banni festival is an annual tradition typically observed at midnight, signifying the cultural significance of the event for the local community.
Banni Festival In Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
In the picturesque backdrop of a temple nestled on the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the Banni Festival is a unique cultural celebration that draws devotees from both states. This annual event is marked by a mix of prayers, tradition, and a somewhat tumultuous tradition.
The heart of the festival lies in the "Kalyanam" ceremony, a sacred union of deities. Malleshwara, symbolising Lord Shiva, and Mallamma, the divine representation of Parvathi, are the central figures in this spiritual convergence. Devotees, fervently dedicated to the occasion, are divided into two distinct groups.
As the ceremonial proceedings unfold, some devotees take on the role of protectors, encircling the divine idols as a human shield. Simultaneously, a group seeks to "hijack" or capture the sacred idols, instigating a spirited contest. To ensure the deity's safety, worshipers arm themselves with torches and clubs, creating a vivid spectacle of devotion and determination.
The highlight of the festival manifests as the devout descend the hill in a grand procession. What makes this march unique is the sight of devotees with their shirts smeared in blood, symbolising the victorious outcome of Mala-Malleshwara, signifying the defeat of a formidable demon. This "winning parade" continues its journey until daybreak.