Kambala in Mysuru Dasara: Debate over culture and cost
Vijayakumar Kanginamane, general secretary of the association.Two kinds of KambalaExperts point out that while ‘Devara Kambalas’ are strictly ritualistic events bound to the land and tradition, other Kambala events held across coastal Karnataka have acquired the character of a competitive sport involving prizes. A majority of the race Kambalas organised in the coastal region are held on artificially built tracks and not on the traditional paddy fields. As many as 27 such race Kambalas are scheduled for the 2026-27 season (November-May) in the coastal region; about 20 Kambalas would be held on the artificial tracks, said Mr.
- ▪Vijayakumar Kanginamane, general secretary of the association.Two kinds of KambalaExperts point out that while ‘Devara Kambalas’ are strictly ritualistic events bound to the land and tradition, other Kambala events held across coastal Karna
- ▪A majority of the race Kambalas organised in the coastal region are held on artificially built tracks and not on the traditional paddy fields.
- ▪As many as 27 such race Kambalas are scheduled for the 2026-27 season (November-May) in the coastal region; about 20 Kambalas would be held on the artificial tracks, said Mr.
The Hindu — Top publishes from India and files mainly under world. We currently carry 7,229 of its stories.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Karnataka government’s proposal to include Kambala, the traditional slush-track buffalo race native to the coastal districts, for the first time in this year’s Mysuru Dasara has sparked a controversy.Those opposed to it have pointed to what they call Kambala’s “incompatibility with the heritage and cultural identity” of Dasara and questioned the need to include a cost- and water-intensive sport when Karnataka is staring at a severe drought. The argument in favour of it has been that Dasara is celebrated as a State festival (Nada Habba) in Mysuru and that the buffalo race, being one of the oldest folk traditions in the State, should be showcased.Preparations beginPreparations for the Kambala have, in fact, begun, with the organising committee, headed by Ashok Kumar Rai, Puttur MLA,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Hindu — Top
