Two persons died and around 40 people suffered injuries during the traditional stick fight festival, known as Banni festival, at Devaragattu village in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh.
Kurnool Superintendent of Police (SP) G Krishnakanth told news agency PTI that the two persons died after they fell from the branch of a tree while trying to escape a flaming torch that was thrown in their direction.
The cop said that several people had climbed onto tree branches to get a better view of the festivities.
Another person died due to natural causes, the police said.
People who were injured were rushed to Adoni and Aluru government hospitals in Kurnool district.
The Banni festival is celebrated on the night of Vijaya dasami to celebrate the victory of Lord Mala Malleswara Swamy and Goddess Parvati over demon Mani and Mallasura, who troubled the people at Devaragattu region. The annual religious festival is held on the premises of the Mala Malleswara Swamy Temple.