One dead and 70 injured at Banni festival in Andhra Pradesh

Villagers armed with sticks take part in the Banni festival at Devaragattu in Holagunda mandal of Kurnool district on Wednesday evening. | Photo credit: U. SUBRAMANYAM

One devotee died and at least 70 people sustained injuries at the annual Banni festival, also known as Karrela Samaram, which was held at Devaragattu Hills near the Sri Malamalleswara Swamy temple in Holagunda mandal of Kurnool district at midnight on Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Pothuraju (35), a native of Aluru village in Kurnool district.

Eight people who sustained serious injuries were taken to a hospital in the Adoni area.

According to reports, nearly three million people from across the district and neighboring Karnataka and Telangana thronged the hill to watch the annual race. Nearly 3,000 people from nearby villages clashed with sticks, injuring several devotees.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 19:05 IST