Kambala may soon debut in Shivamogga

Kambala, the traditional buffalo race and a key folk sport of the coastal region, may soon resonate in the hills of Shivamogga. Preparations are being made to bring the event, which was successfully held in Bengaluru last year, to Shivamogga this season.

Local businessmen, prominent figures from the coastal areas, and other interested parties in Shivamogga have shown a keen interest in hosting Kambala.

The Kambala Committee has decided to hold the event in Bengaluru at the beginning of November, followed by another race in Shivamogga at the end of the Kambala season. The final decision will be made during the upcoming District Kambala Committee’s general meeting.

Kambala in Bengaluru in Early November?

Ashok Kumar Rai, MLA and President of the Bengaluru Kambala Committee, confirmed to Udayavani, “This year’s Kambala will also be held in Bengaluru. It is planned to be organized in the first week of November by the District Kambala Committee.”

Potential for Kambala in Mumbai and Hassan

Following the success in Bengaluru, interest in hosting Kambala has emerged from various parts of the state. Coastal residents in Mumbai have also requested the event there, though some consider transporting buffaloes a challenge. Similarly, some are showing interest in holding Kambala in Hassan.

Challenges of Kambala Outside Coastal Areas

Organizing Kambala in distant locations presents significant challenges, particularly transporting the buffaloes. The animals cannot be transported quickly and need to be rested to avoid fatigue and leg pain.

If Kambala is held outside the coastal region, buffaloes require a week of rest before and after the event, making it challenging to conduct the race in the coastal region for three weeks.

The logistics for caretakers, including accommodation and other arrangements, must be managed.

The different climate and food in other districts might pose health issues for some buffaloes.

Conducting Kambala outside the coastal region could cost over Rs 50-75 lakh.

Revival of Pilikula Kambala

There is a possibility of restarting the government-sponsored Pilikula Kambala in the coastal region. Recently, the District Kambala Committee requested the Deputy Commissioner to restart Pilikula Kambala, and the administration responded positively.

The last Pilikula Kambala was held in 2014, with 85 pairs of buffaloes racing along the Netravati-Phalguni dual rivers in front of Guttinamane. The event was halted due to legal battles initiated by PETA against Kambala. Although the district administration decided to hold Kambala in the 2018 season, the proposal was shelved due to lack of funds.

“Following last year’s success, this year’s Kambala will be organized in Bengaluru. Additionally, there is interest in hosting Kambala in Shivamogga for the first time. The final decision and dates will be announced in the next general meeting,” said Dr. Belapu Deviprasad Shetty, President, Dakshina Kannada District Kambala Committee.