Kambala, the traditional buffalo race held in the slushy paddy fields of coastal Karnataka, will be featured in the Mysuru Dasara festival for the first time. It is likely to be a major attraction during the 10-day festivity, which begins on October 11 and culminates with the grand procession on October 20.
Preparatory Meeting and Venue Selection
Deputy Commissioner Lakshmikant Reddy chaired a preparatory meeting at the zilla panchayat on Saturday to discuss the kambala event during Dasara. Reddy said there were plans to conduct kambala last year as well, but they could not materialise due to the lack of a suitable venue. This time, preparations have begun three months in advance, and three possible locations in Mysuru city have been identified — Vijayanagar First Stage, Vijayanagar Fourth Stage and Sathagalli Ring Road. One of these will be finalised after a feasibility study.
Requirements and Logistics
The DC said at least seven acres would be required to host kambala. The venue will be selected after considering facilities such as parking, spectator galleries, and space to accommodate buffaloes and event organisers. The ZP CEO will be appointed as the nodal officer for the subcommittee overseeing the kambala event, which will be part of the Dasara celebrations.
Attendance and Stakeholders
ZP CEO Ukesh Kumar, SP Mallikarjun Baladandi, Karnataka State Kambala Association general secretary Vijay Kumar, Bengaluru Kambala Working President Muralidhar Rai, and Jayasurya Rai were present at the meeting, indicating broad support for integrating this coastal tradition into the grand Dasara festivities.
