Mysuru: Preparations are under way for the Kambala event scheduled as part of Mysuru Dasara on October 18 and 19, even as environmentalists and other activists have raised concerns over water use, tree cutting, expenditure and animal welfare.

The traditional buffalo race has been included in the official Mysuru Dasara 2026 programme, with the event scheduled near VTU College from 9 am on both days. The official Dasara website describes Kambala as a traditional buffalo race from coastal Karnataka.

Around 150 buffalo teams are expected to participate, while seating arrangements are being made for thousands of spectators.

Tracks being developed at Sathagalli

Two parallel tracks, each measuring 152 metres, are being developed on 17.5 acres of Mysuru Development Authority land at Sathagalli near the Mysuru Ring Road.

The land has been allotted for a velodrome under the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES). The site is being prepared to accommodate the requirements of the Kambala races.

A borewell has already been drilled to meet the water requirements for preparing the tracks, while authorities are planning another borewell.

Around 10 lakh litres of water is estimated to be required over 48 hours to prepare the slush-filled tracks for the races.

The use of water has become one of the major points of contention surrounding the event, particularly amid concerns over deficient rainfall in the region.

Registration open until September 30

Working president of the Kambala Dasara Committee and Mysuru Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary (Development) Bhimappa K Laali said applications had been invited through a notification issued on September 19.

Participants can register through the Mysuru Dasara website until September 30.

The tracks are expected to be completed by the end of September, after which a trial run will be conducted. According to the organisers, a trial is expected in about 15 days, with 10 pairs of buffaloes being brought from the coastal region for the exercise.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who is leading the initiative, said applications had been received for around 200 pairs of buffaloes, of which 150 pairs would be finalised.

The event is expected to cost between Rs 4 crore and Rs 5 crore, while organisers anticipate around 20 lakh spectators over the two days.

Gallery planned for 8,500 spectators

A spectator gallery is also being constructed at the venue. The facility is expected to accommodate around 8,500 people.

The administration has previously announced that the Kambala event will have around 150 teams competing in junior and senior categories. The event is being included among the major attractions of this year’s Dasara celebrations.

The official Dasara programme confirms Kambala on October 18 and 19, with the first day’s races beginning at 9 am and the second day’s races also scheduled from 9 am.

Tree cutting becomes another concern

The development of the Kambala venue has also triggered concerns over the removal of trees.

At least 54 trees have reportedly been cleared at the site. DYES Assistant Director Bhaskar Nayak had sought permission from the Forest Department on July 15 to clear 18 trees in the first phase to facilitate construction of the tracks.

Earlier, 36 trees had reportedly been cleared by June 26.

The issue has added to the concerns raised by environmental activists, who have questioned the ecological implications of developing the temporary race infrastructure at the site.

Administration cites cultural diversity

The district administration has said that Kambala is being introduced as part of Mysuru Dasara to showcase Karnataka’s cultural diversity.

Kambala has traditionally been associated with coastal Karnataka and involves pairs of buffaloes being raced through slush-filled tracks by participants. The inclusion of the event in Mysuru Dasara is intended by the organisers to bring a coastal cultural tradition to the State’s major annual festival.

The official Dasara website has listed Kambala alongside several other cultural, sporting and public programmes scheduled during the 11-day festival.

Heritage expert questions timing

Heritage expert N S Rangaraju has opposed the inclusion of Kambala in the Dasara celebrations.

Rangaraju said organising a bull race during Dasara was inappropriate because the festival commemorates Sri Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura. He expressed concern that introducing such an event could affect the distinctive character and reverence associated with Mysuru Dasara.

His comments form part of the ongoing debate over whether a traditional coastal sporting event should be incorporated into the festival.

Activists plan ‘Go Back Kambala’ protest

Environmental and other activist groups have also raised objections to the event.

Activists have cited drought conditions, the proposed expenditure, tree cutting and concerns regarding the treatment of animals. They have also argued that Kambala, traditionally associated with coastal Karnataka and generally conducted during the November-February season, may not be suited to an urban setting such as Mysuru.

Various organisations led by Parashurame Gowda of Parisarakkaagi Naavu have planned a ‘Go Back Kambala’ protest during the trial run.

Environmentalist Ravi Bale said signatures were being collected from prominent Mysuru residents who opposed conducting Kambala during Dasara.

The proposed protest is expected to bring the environmental and cultural concerns surrounding the event into sharper focus as preparations continue.

Yaduveer opposes timing, not Kambala

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has said he is not opposed to Kambala or to hosting the event in Mysuru, but has objected to conducting it during Dasara.

Yaduveer said Kambala is an important part of the identity of coastal Karnataka. He also alleged that the State government had not given adequate importance and funding to the traditional sport in its home region.

His position therefore centres on the timing and context of the event rather than opposition to Kambala itself.

Event remains on official Dasara calendar

Despite the opposition, preparations for the event are continuing and Kambala remains part of the official Dasara programme.

The 2026 Mysuru Dasara festival is scheduled from October 11 to 21, with Kambala listed for October 18 and 19. The official programme places the race near VTU College, while other major attractions include the drone show, Aahara Mela, flower show and the traditional Jumboo Savari.

As construction progresses and the trial run approaches, the debate over water consumption, tree removal, expenditure, animal welfare and the cultural context of the event is likely to remain part of the discussion surrounding Mysuru’s Dasara celebrations.