Mangaluru, October 15: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday announced that coastal Karnataka’s traditional buffalo race, Kambala, and a tableau representing Tulu Nadu would feature in this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations, highlighting the state government’s efforts to showcase the cultural heritage of different regions of Karnataka.
Shivakumar arrived at Mangaluru International Airport on Thursday as part of his tour of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. He was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the airport. Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U T Khader and other dignitaries were present to receive him.
Speaking to the media, Shivakumar said the government was giving prominence to Karnataka’s cultural traditions and regional identities as part of the state’s annual Dasara celebrations in Mysuru.
Recalling invitations he had received over the years to attend Dasara festivities at Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple in Mangaluru, he said former Union minister Janardhana Poojary had been inviting him to the celebrations for several years. Shivakumar added that he had visited the temple during the festival last year.
He described the Navaratri celebrations as an occasion that brings together different communities and showcases Karnataka’s cultural traditions and spiritual heritage.
Kambala and Tulu Nadu to take centre stage
Describing Mysuru Dasara as Karnataka’s state festival, Shivakumar said the government was introducing new initiatives to make this year’s celebrations more inclusive of the state’s diverse cultural traditions.
The Vijayadashami programme is scheduled for October 21, with representatives of Tulu Nadu also expected to participate.
Shivakumar said armed forces teams would take part in the ceremonial march-past, while a new elephant would carry the golden howdah bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari during the procession.
He recalled his earlier announcement that Kambala, the traditional buffalo race associated with coastal Karnataka, would be included in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. The inclusion is intended to bring greater recognition to a sport deeply rooted in the cultural life of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Referring to historical accounts of buffaloes being brought to festivities during the Vijayanagara period, Shivakumar said the inclusion of Kambala would help highlight the region’s traditional heritage.
“Dasara is your festival and the festival of the state,” he said, stressing that the celebrations should reflect Karnataka’s varied cultural identities.
The proposed Tulu Nadu tableau is also expected to provide a platform to showcase the region’s distinctive traditions. Tulu Nadu, broadly associated with the Tulu-speaking coastal belt, is known for its folk arts, ritual traditions, agricultural practices and community festivals.
The participation of Kambala and the tableau would bring elements of coastal Karnataka’s cultural identity into one of the state’s most prominent annual celebrations.
Shivakumar comments on SIR petition
During the media interaction, Shivakumar also addressed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying a petition concerning SIR data had been filed in the Supreme Court on Thursday.
He emphasised that the right to vote was fundamental to democratic participation and said efforts to protect voters’ rights would continue.
The SIR exercise has drawn political attention over concerns surrounding electoral-roll revision and the protection of eligible voters. Shivakumar said the Congress leadership was working together on the issue.
His remarks came amid continuing political debate over the revision process and the implications of electoral-roll changes for voters.
Rejects criticism over Rahul Gandhi incident
Shivakumar also responded to the controversy surrounding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asking him to travel in a vehicle during a protest march. Some media outlets and BJP leaders had portrayed the incident as an insult, he said.
Rejecting that interpretation, Shivakumar said Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had played important roles in making him the Chief Minister of Karnataka.
He maintained that the Congress leadership was united in its efforts to safeguard voters’ rights and accused BJP leaders of attempting to gain political mileage by misrepresenting the incident.
Describing Rahul Gandhi as a leader with a strong sense of humanity, Shivakumar urged political leaders not to turn minor incidents into political controversies.
When asked about an arrest connected with a sting operation, Shivakumar said he had no information about the matter.
Coastal Karnataka’s cultural identity in state celebrations
The proposed inclusion of Kambala and a Tulu Nadu tableau comes amid efforts to bring greater visibility to the cultural traditions of Karnataka’s coastal districts.
Kambala, traditionally held on waterlogged paddy fields after the harvest season, is associated with rural communities and agricultural heritage. The races attract participants and spectators from across the coastal region and have become a prominent feature of its cultural calendar.
Tulu Nadu’s cultural heritage also encompasses traditional performances, folk narratives, ritual practices and community celebrations that distinguish the region within Karnataka.
By announcing their participation in Mysuru Dasara, Shivakumar highlighted the importance of representing the state’s regional diversity at major public celebrations. The October 21 Vijayadashami programme will provide an opportunity for the cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka to be presented alongside the established ceremonial events of Mysuru Dasara.