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Stick fight ritual at Mala Malleswara Swamy temple in Devaragattu, Andhra Pradesh

Brutal stick fight is an unusual ritual observed Mala Malleswara Swamy temple at Devaragattu near Aluru in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. The ritual is part of banni procession held on Dasara or Dusshera. Bloodshed, injuries and death due to this ritual is a common occurrence.

Around 20 villages in the region take part in the ritual. The villagers divide themselves into groups and try to carry away the idols of Mala Malleswara Swamy temple to their village. The weapon used to attack and defend is stick.

The victorious village will take the idols of Mala Maleswara Swamy temple to their village and conduct pujas and return the idol to the temple.

Officials have been trying hard to put and end to the ritual but all their efforts have failed and the ritual was held this year too. But the district administration has been able to bring down the intensity of the fight and this year there was very few injuries.

Dear reader sex is part of life and Santana Dharma does not consider discussing healthy sex a taboo. Therefore any matter associated with Santana Dharma will be discussed in the blog including sex.