After fest, it’s time for dung cake fight
Close on the heels of Ugadi festival, a strange ritual is performed in Kairuppala village of Aspari mandal in Kurnool district by the villagers. Dividing into two groups,
- An unique ritual of people fling cow-dung cakes on each other organised at Kairuppala village in Aspari mandal
- At least 80 injured in one hour ancient ritual
Aluru (Kurnool): Close on the heels of Ugadi festival, a strange ritual is performed in Kairuppala village of Aspari mandal in Kurnool district by the villagers. Dividing into two groups, the people take part in the event. While one group, owing allegiance to Goddess Kalikadevi, another supports Lord Veerabhadra. The people flung cow-dung cakes on each other for about one hour leading to injuries to at least 80. People took part in the event, held amidst tight security, with enthusiasm to prevent untoward incidents. There prevailed utter confusion with people hurling the cakes yelling at the top of their voice.
According to the legend, the clash occurred because Lord Veerabhadra, who promised to marry Kalikadevi, refused to marry her citing elders not approving the marriage.
Felt cheated, followers of Goddess Kalikadevi flung cakes on the rival group forcing the rivals to retaliate. The event took place in Kurnool district, gateway to the Rayalaseema region. Apart from its faction-related violence, the region is known for its cultural practices. The event is unique to Kairuppala.
As a token of gratitude to Lord Veerabhadra for having fulfilled their wishes, people of Puppaladoddi, Chennampalli, Alarudinne, Kallapari, Vengalayadoddi, Karumanci and Billekallu will prepare cow-dung cakes with dedication and devotion. They ensure that the cakes reach the temple in Kairuppala on the next day of Ugadi. The cakes are divided into two heaps for the villagers to fling them on each other.
Towards the end, Lord Veerabhadra will emerge victorious in the tussle. At last, both the groups get united and perform the wedding of Kalikadevi with Veerabhadra. People were seen defending themselves with attackers by covering their face with gunny bags. The villagers say that a panchayat was held to perform the marriage Kalikadevi, who hailed from a low caste, with Veerabhadra, who hailed from an upper caste.
C Veerabhadraiah
