Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: During the traditional Banni festival in Devaragattu, Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, three individuals lost their lives, and over a hundred were injured on the night of October 24.
About the Banni Festival:
| Feature | Description |
| Nature | Traditional stick-fight |
| Occurrence | Celebrated on the night of Dussehra (Vijaya Dasami) annually |
| Origin | Associated with the Vijayanagara Empire |
| Purpose | To symbolically snatch idols from the deities’ team, leading to the Banni Fight |
| Historical Significance | Celebrates the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over the demonish Mani and Mallasura, who troubled the people in the Devaragattu region |
| Rituals | Takes place at midnight – Procession of idols of deities Malamma and Malleshwara Swamy from the hill temple at Neraneki – Devotees carry long sticks or lathis to hit each other on the head with these sticks |
| Location | It is held on the premises of Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple (situated at the border of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka). |
