Mangaluru: The golden jubilee celebrations of the Aikala Bava Kanthabare–Boodabare Kambala will be held on February 7 and 8, with organisers announcing that preparations are almost complete and special emphasis has been placed on regulating gambling and maintaining strict event schedules.
Aikala Kambala Association and Aikala Kambala Committee president Belapu Deviprasad Shetty said comprehensive measures have been put in place to ensure discipline, transparency and smooth conduct of the traditional buffalo race event. He was addressing a press conference at a private hotel in Mangaluru on Monday.
Focus on gambling control and time discipline
Mangaluru Shetty said organisers had received complaints in the past regarding gambling activities during some Kambala events and clarified that such activities would be strictly controlled during the Aikala golden jubilee edition.
“Necessary measures have been implemented to prevent and control gambling-related activities at the venue. We are committed to conducting the Kambala in a disciplined and regulated manner,” he said.
He added that fixed timings have been set for the release of buffaloes onto the race track to avoid delays and confusion. Owners and handlers have been instructed to strictly follow the allotted schedule.
“If buffaloes do not arrive at the track within the stipulated time, appropriate action will be taken. This will ensure time management and orderly conduct of events,” Shetty said.
Week-long festivities from February 3
Mangaluru The Kambala-related festivities, religious rituals and mass feeding (annadana) programmes will be held continuously from February 3 to February 8 as part of the golden jubilee celebrations.
Organisers said the extended schedule is intended to mark 50 years of the Aikala Bava Kanthabare–Boodabare Kambala and to involve devotees, rural sports enthusiasts and the local community in large numbers.
Cultural and devotional programmes have also been lined up alongside the sporting events to preserve and promote the traditional and religious significance associated with Kambala.
Yakshagana and ceremonial events lined up
Mangaluru As part of the cultural segment, a Yakshagana performance by the Kateelu Sri Durgaparameshwari Mela will be staged on February 6. The performance is expected to draw large crowds and add a traditional artistic dimension to the celebrations.
On February 7, the ceremonial Kare Muhurta will be held at 8 am, marking the formal ritual beginning of the Kambala events. This will be followed by the entry of buffaloes onto the race track.
At 9.30 am, Vastu expert Chandrashekhara Swamiji will formally inaugurate the Kambala. Organisers said religious rites and traditional observances will be conducted in accordance with long-standing customs associated with the sport.
Kambala Ratna Award and honours
Mangaluru On the occasion of the golden jubilee, Cooperative Ratna Dr M. N. Rajendra Kumar will be honoured with the Kambala Ratna Award in recognition of his contributions and support to cooperative and rural institutions.
Organisers said all buffalo owners participating in the Kambala will be specially felicitated in appreciation of their role in preserving the traditional rural sport.
Winning buffaloes in various categories will receive gold and cash prizes. In addition, special prizes will be awarded to all buffaloes that reach the semifinals, ensuring broader recognition beyond just the final winners.
Special awards in Kanahalage category
Mangaluru Shetty said that in the Kanahalage category — one of the recognised Kambala race formats — winning buffaloes will be awarded gold prizes. All participating buffalo owners in this category will also receive special honours along with cash prizes.
The prize structure has been expanded for the golden jubilee edition to encourage wider participation and reward performance across categories.
Organisers expect strong participation from buffalo owners and teams from across coastal Karnataka, where Kambala continues to be celebrated as a major traditional rural sport.
Organising team and preparations
Mangaluru Several office-bearers and committee members were present at the press conference, including Aikala Bava Kambala working president Chittaranjan Bhandary, Mumbai committee president Kushal Bhandary, general secretary Swaraj Shetty Doddmane, treasurer Prakash Shetty, Tilakraj Ballal and Pradeep Kumar Aikalabava.
The organising committee said track preparation, spectator arrangements, security coordination and animal care measures are being finalised. Coordination with local authorities is also under way to manage traffic, crowd flow and safety during the two main race days.
Conclusion
Mangaluru With tighter regulation, structured scheduling and expanded cultural programming, the Aikala Bava Kanthabare–Boodabare Kambala golden jubilee is set to be a landmark edition. Organisers say the focus this year is on discipline, tradition and transparency, while celebrating five decades of a major coastal Karnataka sporting heritage.