Kambala season begins: Coastal Karnataka gears up for a festive series of buffalo races

The much-awaited Kambala season, a traditional and popular folk sport of coastal Karnataka, is set to commence with the Panapila Kambala event on November 9, featuring only sub-junior and junior buffalo categories. The season will officially kick off with the senior buffalo races in Pilikula on November 17. This year, the Pilikula Kambala will be held under government sponsorship after a gap of 10 years, adding significance to the event.

In addition to Pilikula, for the first time, Shivamogga will host a Kambala event, showcasing the sport’s growing appeal beyond traditional boundaries. In total, 25 modern Kambalas will be organized by the District Kambala Committee, along with 70-120 traditional events scheduled in regions around Kundapura, Byndoor, and Barkur.

Kambala, which traces its history to religious roots, began under temple patronage and gradually evolved to include royal and local community-organized events. Today, it has transformed into a public celebration of folklore, with events conducted in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod districts under the Tulu Nadu region.

Upcoming Kambala Dates (2024-25 Season):

– Nov 9: Panapila

– Nov 17: Pilikula

– Nov 23: Kodange

– Nov 30: Kakkepadavu

– Dec 7: Hokkadi

– Dec 14: Baradi

– Dec 22: Mulki

– Dec 28: Mangalore

– Dec 29: Ballamanja

– Jan 4: Miyaru

– Jan 11: Naringana

– Jan 18: Adve

– Jan 25: Moodabidri

– Feb 1: Aikala

– Feb 8: Jeppu

– Feb 15: Thiruvailuguthu

– Feb 22: Katapady

– Mar 1: Puttur

– Mar 8: Bantwal

– Mar 15: Bangadi

– Mar 22: Uppinangady

– Mar 29: Venur

– Apr 5: Balkunje

– Apr 12: Gurupura

– Apr 19: Shivamogga

“Kambala is more than a sport; it’s the heartbeat of Tulu Nadu, connecting people with tradition and community spirit,” said Devirprasad Shetty, President of the District Kambala Committee.

Last season saw 24 Kambala events from November to April, including the first-ever Kambala in Bengaluru, which drew significant public interest.