From The Hindu · The Hindu Bureau · · 1m 20s
Kambala buffalo racing debuts at Mysuru Dasara
Coastal Karnataka's traditional sport races 150 buffalo pairs for the first time at the Mysuru Dasara festival.
In brief
Coastal Karnataka's traditional sport races 150 buffalo pairs for the first time at the Mysuru Dasara festival. Kambala, a traditional buffalo racing sport from coastal Karnataka, made its debut at Mysuru Dasara with 150 buffalo pairs competing over two days. Originally reported by The Hindu.
Kambala arrives in Mysuru
Coastal Karnataka's traditional buffalo racing sport Kambala made its debut at Mysuru Dasara on Sunday, flagged off by Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah at Sathagalli.
150 buffalo pairs compete
The Dasara Kambala Sub-Committee organised the two-day event at grounds near Visvesvaraya Technological University College, featuring 150 pairs of buffaloes racing for the first time as part of Dasara celebrations.
Why bring Kambala to Mysuru
Minister Yathindra said Kambala should not remain confined to its coastal origins. The objective was to give the sport wider recognition and enable people across the country and beyond to witness it.
Substantial costs and care
Bringing a pair of buffaloes to Mysuru costs around five lakh rupees. Elaborate arrangements included nutritious feed, veterinary care, plastic-free facilities, and security for the animals and spectators.
Addressing drought concerns
Puttur MLA Ashok Rai acknowledged opposition to holding Kambala during drought, saying the sport was sustained by the farming community and not driven by large prize money or commercial gains.
“Kambala enthusiasts are not necessarily wealthy. The prize money is modest, while transporting the buffaloes over long distances involves considerable expenditure.”
What to remember
Kambala, a traditional buffalo racing sport from coastal Karnataka, made its debut at Mysuru Dasara with 150 buffalo pairs competing over two days.
