Devotees of Devaragattu temple in Andhra Pradesh are following a very typical tradition. This decades old Bunny Utsav, which celebrated every year during Dussehra festival in Devaragattu temple, turns bloody and violent this year too.
As usual, Bunny Stick Fight turns bloody again, three died and around 110 devotees were injured in the mock fight “Bunny” ritual on Tuesday night. Two devotees died with serious injuries while participating in stick fighting and another one killed in an incident of tree branch fall. Half of victims had blood injuries and admitted to various government hospitals in Kurnool district.
Efforts by the police and government officials to stop the violence that broke out during the festival failed. As a result, mock stick fighting turns violent. The event leaves several participants with bleeding injuries. Deaths and serious injuries were reported despite deployment of over 1000 policemen to disarm the revelers.
Fight for Ownership on Idols of Deities:
Bunny Stick Fight is a traditional and highly popular event that takes place in the border villages of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The main attraction of this event is the mock stick fight, where groups of young devotees of various villages participate in a mock battle using sticks. These sticks, often referred to as "Bunny," are made from a type of bamboo. Participants wield these sticks and engage in friendly combat. After the Bunny Stick Fight, there is often a religious procession or ceremony, where idols of deities are taken through the village in a procession, and various rituals are performed.
The festival, which coincides with Dussehra, attracts a large gathering of devotees from over 50 villages in Andhra Pradesh and from Bellary district in Karnataka. The temple is owned and managed by the residents of Neraniki village of Kurnool district. However, devotees from neighboring villages who take part in the celebrations try to hijack the processional deities to their village believing that it will bring good tidings if they are able to snatch the deities.
The ‘warriors’ from Neraniki armed with sticks put up a stiff resistance to protect the deities resulting in an open clash. Those who suffer bleeding injuries get turmeric powder applied before leaving the place.
Efforts by Police Go in Vain:
After the media began highlighting the violent tradition a few years ago, the State Human Rights Commission directed the Kurnool district administration to take all steps to prevent bloodshed during the revelry and at the same time avoid hurting the sentiments of the public. Despite police making all arrangements and also sensitizing the local villagers about the bloodshed and how to avoid it without hurting the sentiments but all proved in vain.
Religious Beliefs of the Villagers:
Bunny Stick Fight is a unique and vibrant cultural event that combines tradition, religion, and entertainment. It attracts both locals and tourists who want to experience the rich cultural heritage of the region during the Dussehra festival. It draws large crowds of spectators who come to witness the event. It is a significant cultural and religious attraction in the Kurnool district.
Bunny Stick Fight is believed to reenact the battle between Lord Rama and the demon king Ravana from the Hindu epic Ramayana. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and serves as a form of devotion to the gods. Generally, it is not a violent or aggressive event. It is a tradition that has been followed for generations and is considered an integral part of the local culture and religious customs.
Young men from different communities participate in the Bunny Stick Fight. The groups are divided based on their village or neighborhood, and each group competes against the other. It is accompanied by traditional music and dance. Participants and onlookers often celebrate with drum beats and folk dances. While the fight is symbolic and intended to be a cultural display, participants do wear protective gear, such as headgear, to avoid injuries.
