During a recent annual festival in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, a traditional stick-fighting ritual resulted in over 60 injuries among participants. The event, which involves groups of people engaging in physical combat with sticks, is a long-standing local custom that draws large crowds of devotees.

Ahead of the festivities, Kurnool Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil issued a public appeal for participants to observe the tradition peacefully. Law enforcement officials specifically warned against using the ritual as a cover to settle personal grievances or long-standing village rivalries. Despite these warnings, the high number of injuries indicates that the physical nature of the event remained intense, leading to significant medical attention being required for those involved.

While the ritual is deeply rooted in local culture, the recurring nature of the injuries often prompts discussions regarding public safety and the regulation of traditional practices. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to ensure that such cultural expressions do not escalate into broader civil unrest or criminal activity.