Tulunadu’s Kambala tradition gains popularity, boosting buffalo numbers

The folk sport of Kambala, deeply rooted in the culture of Tulu Nadu, has recently witnessed a resurgence in popularity along the Karnataka coast. From young children to elders, enthusiasm for Kambala is on the rise, leading to a significant increase in the number of buffaloes being raised specifically for this sport.

Traditionally divided into Senior (over 6 years old) and Junior (between 3 and 6 years old) categories, Kambala competitions have recently seen growth in the Sub-Junior category (for buffaloes under 3 years old), a sign of increasing interest among breeders. While there is ongoing debate about the suitability of Kambala races for young buffaloes, the affection for these animals and passion for the sport have prompted families across Tulu Nadu to keep more buffaloes.

Historic Decline and Resurgence in Buffalo Numbers

About 40 years ago, buffaloes were abundant, with around 50 pairs per village and thousands across the two districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. However, with the advent of mechanized farming, buffalo numbers dwindled. Today, due to renewed interest in Kambala, buffalo breeding has seen a resurgence. Now, thousands of buffaloes are actively trained for the sport. In the recent Sub-Junior Kambala event alone, a notable 278 pairs of buffaloes participated.

Sub-Junior Kambala Events for Young Buffaloes

According to Kambala expert Vijay Kumar Kanginmane, Sub-Junior events were introduced to train young buffaloes under 3 years, or those without developed front teeth. This category prepares buffaloes for the Junior division, where they can compete until they are 6 years old, and later enter the Senior category. A well-trained buffalo typically races until about age 10-12 and can live up to 32-34 years.

Interest in Kambala has surged recently, especially among the youth, for whom it represents not only a festive celebration but also a family tradition of pride. Many households now raise buffaloes for Kambala, whether independently or as groups of friends. Even families with limited resources are seen keeping buffaloes purely out of love for the animals and a dedication to the sport.

This season, many families have chosen to participate in Kambala with young buffaloes in the Sub-Junior category, as it is not always feasible for everyone to participate in every event. With agriculture-related tasks winding down, buffaloes are usually trained to be ready for Sub-Junior races within 3-4 months.

Although Sub-Junior Kambala races have existed before, their popularity has increased this year. Many see these events as an ideal platform to showcase new buffalo racers’ emerging prowess.

Given the rising number of young buffaloes, demand has grown for additional race opportunities beyond the Senior events, which are often unable to accommodate them. In response to requests from buffalo owners, recent events have featured separate Sub-Junior categories. Towards the end of the Kambala season, the Kambala Committee is also considering organizing a dedicated event exclusively for Sub-Junior participants.

Aikalabava Deviprasad Shetty, President of the District Kambala Committee, mentioned that this decision aligns with the interests of buffalo breeders and ensures the welfare of the animals involved.