Kambala set to resume in Pilikula after 10 years

The traditional coastal sport of Kambala, a symbol of Tulunadu’s heritage, is returning to Pilikula Nature Park after a ten-year hiatus.

Kambala will once again take place in the historic “Netravati-Phalguni” twin paddy fields in front of the Guttu House in Pilikula on November 17 and 18.

Originally initiated in 2008 under the leadership of the district administration, Pilikula Kambala ran until 2014, when legal hurdles imposed by animal rights activists led to a suspension of the event. After a decade-long wait, the administration has obtained the necessary clearances, paving the way for a grand revival.

With preparations in full swing, the paddy fields where the buffalo races will be held are being completely restored. The event site, which had been overgrown and unused for years, is undergoing extensive renovations, including the addition of 11,000 red stones, 60 loads of sand, and gravel to prepare the 133-meter racing track. The district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Mullai Mugilan, has organized an experienced team to oversee the preparations.

In a recent ceremony on September 4, the new Kambala track was inaugurated. The Pilikula Kambala Committee, led by its Vice President Naveen Chandra Alva, expressed great excitement about the much-anticipated event, expecting a large turnout. The event will feature a rural-themed permanent stage for spectators and separate rooms for judges, provided by the Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Arrangements have also been made for ample parking, to be managed by the Mangaluru City Corporation.

A pre-trial event, known as the “Pilikula Kudi,” is scheduled for November 13. Key officials, including Deputy Commissioner Mullai Mugilan, Speaker U.T. Khader, Minister in Charge Dinesh Gundu Rao, MLC Manjunath Bhandari, MLA Umanath Kotian, and Dr. M. Mohan Alva of Alva’s Education Foundation, are expected to attend.

Kambala Committee President Deviprasad Shetty announced plans to secure two acres for the event, as well as additional support from the government to establish a Kambala training center and hall.

Reflecting on Pilikula Kambala’s origins, former MLA J.R. Lobo, who was instrumental in the 2008 launch, noted the event’s early efforts to preserve Tulu culture by converting hilly terrain into the Kambala paddy field. The last Kambala in Pilikula took place in 2014, with 85 pairs of buffaloes competing in a festive event. However, a subsequent legal battle led by PETA halted the sport until recent amendments addressed these legal issues, allowing the district administration to bring Kambala back to Pilikula.

With immense anticipation building among enthusiasts, Pilikula Kambala is set for a vibrant comeback, offering a spectacle of tradition, devotion, and the enduring spirit of coastal Karnataka.