Pilikula Kambala: Proposal to hold races every weekend

Mangaluru: If all goes according to plan, enthusiasts and tourists can enjoy Kambala races every weekend of the year.

The district administration has decided to hold the ‘Netravati-Phalguni’ Jodukere Kambala at Pilikula Guttu House every weekend throughout the year. But, only a limited number of buffaloes pairs will be allowed to race.

This was proposed by the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner at a meeting with representatives of the District Tourism Development Committee and the District Kambala Committee. The Tourism Department and Pilikula Development Authority have been asked to chalk out a plan.

The Deputy Commissioner Dr. K V Rajendra said that instead of holding Kambala once a year in Pilikula, the district administration has decided to organize a year-round programme to give tourists a full picture of Kambala sports. The proposal has received a rousing response from the Kambala Committee, he said.

It is also planned to educate and inform tourists about the sport of Kambala including the preparations, care of buffaloes, their training, etc. This would be a part of the ‘Kalagrama’ exhibit and an entry fee would be collected for viewing the exhibition.

There have been demands for including Kambala in the tourism list to attract tourists. The District Tourism Committee, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, has started work in this direction.

Last Kambala in 2014

The last Kambala was held in Pilikula in 2014, where 85 pairs of buffaloes in participated. But the district administration had suspended the Kambala as a result of PETA’s legal battle. It was decided to hold the 2018 Kambala season as well, but the grant was denied.

In these seven years, the Kambala tracks at Pilikula are filled with silt with thick shrubs and grass covering the entire length of the track.  A thorough reconstruction of the track has to be completed with providing amenities for viewers before the races can be held at the venue.