From the archive record
Viewer discretion advised due to graphic visuals. Despite counselling from authorities and advise against conducting the stick fight, locals remain insistent each year. At least thirty five people were injured, including two of them grievously, during an annual stick fight ritual in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. Every year, on the eve of Dussehra, thousands of people carrying flaming torches and long sticks pour into Devaragattu village. People from nearby villages and Bellary district in Karnataka also gather at the spot. The festival, held in honour of the Mala Malleswara Swamy temple in the village, involves a mock stick-fight where participants try and take possession of two deities, believing that it would bring prosperity to their village if they managed to win any of the idols.