Pidakal War: a ritual battle using cow dung (8 photos + 1 video)

The Hindu New Year, or Baisakhi, is celebrated across India in mid-April. The celebration varies from state to state and from culture to culture, but the roots are the same.





Baisakhi is a spring harvest festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the abundance of fruits ready for sale. During this time, people visit local temples and gurdwaras (religious centers), participate in community fairs, and perform special thanksgiving rites called pujas. It is an occasion to reconnect with friends and family, enjoy special foods, and wear new clothes.



In Kairupala village in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, the Hindu New Year is also celebrated with reverence and respect. Known as Ugadi in this part of the country, the festival begins with a thorough cleaning of the house, followed by the creation of colourful rangoli patterns on the floor and the decoration of the entrances with garlands of mango leaves. Family members undergo oil massages and take special baths. Women prepare delicious delicacies that are enjoyed by the entire family. Visits to temples, charity and the exchange of new clothes with friends are also common.





The celebrations smoothly transition into the next day, where the formal event takes a strange turn. The villagers split into two groups and begin throwing cow dung cakes at each other. This is called Pidakala Samaram or the Pidakala War.



Goddess Bhadrakali

This peculiar tradition has its origins in Hindu folklore, which tells of a dispute before the supposed wedding of the goddess Bhadrakali and the god Virabhadra.



God Virabhadra

It is said that Bhadrakali, displeased with Virabhadra's unexpected advances, threatened to pelt him with cow dung if he followed her to the village.



When Virabhadra arrived in Kairuppal for the wedding the next day, Bhadrakali ordered the villagers to pelt him with cow dung. Soon, the followers of Bhadrakali and Virabhadra began throwing cow dung at each other. Eventually, the village chiefs intervened, settled the dispute and allowed the marriage of the two deities to take place.



The villagers of Kairuppal uphold this unique tradition by holding a cow dung fight every year after Ugadi. Along with this playful event, the village joyfully celebrates the sacred union of Virabhadra and Bhadrakali. According to local beliefs, the cow dung fight promotes good health and the annual ritual brings prosperity and abundant rains to the village.