DK dist admin permits Kambala from Jan 30

Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has given its nod for Kambala events under strict adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.

The traditional sporting events may start from January 30.

The decision was taken at a meeting held at the office of the deputy commissioner presided by MP Nalin Kumar Kateel on Tuesday.

Speaking later the MP said that Kambala is coastal Karnataka’s folk sport and has a history of hundreds of years. It was not possible to conduct it last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kambala organisers will be able to hold the events following strict COVID-19 guidelines in the district from January 30 onwards.

DC Dr Rajendra KV said that people must take extra precaution during these times of the COVID-19 threat and must not gather in crowds at the Kambala events.

“No event should extend beyond 10 pm and senior citizens and children must not be present. Wearing of masks and maintaining distance is mandatory,” Dr Rajendra added.

Kambala Committee members present at the meeting promised to organise the events in a disciplined manner following all COVID-19 rules and without involving many people.

“The first Kambala of the season will be organised at Bantwal taluk’s Hokkadigoli village from January 30. Currently, Kambala events at Hokkaadigoli, Aikala, Vamanjur, Moodabidiri, Miyaru, Mangaluru and Venuru have been scheduled. More Kambala events are likely to be added to it,” said Bhaskar Kotian of the Kambala Committee.