Mysuru: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family has suggested that Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, should be organised as a separate, multi-day festival rather than being included as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Speaking at a media conference at Mysuru Palace on Monday, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said she did not intend to advise the Karnataka government on the organisation of Dasara events or the Vijayadashami procession unless she was specifically asked for her views.
Kambala deserves a separate platform
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said Kambala had its own distinct heritage and cultural significance and that presenting it as one component of the Dasara festivities could limit the attention it receives.
“However, my personal opinion is that Kambala has its own unique heritage and significance. Showcasing it as part of the Dasara events deprives it of the special priority it deserves. Conducting it as an independent, multi-day festival at a different time would have been far more impactful,” she said.
Kambala is traditionally associated with the coastal districts of Karnataka and involves buffaloes racing through specially prepared slushy fields. The sport has evolved from an agrarian tradition into a major cultural event, attracting participants and spectators from across the region.
Her remarks come amid preparations for the annual Mysuru Dasara celebrations, which feature a series of cultural, religious and traditional events culminating in the Vijayadashami procession.
Dasara should retain its grandeur
On the scale and changes being introduced to Dasara celebrations, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said the decision ultimately rested with the state government.
She emphasised that grandeur was an intrinsic part of the festival and recalled the historical significance attached to Dasara celebrations.
“Dasara inherently stands for grandeur. Historically, even during periods of drought, the festival was celebrated with the hope that rains would follow the festivities,” she said.
Concern over Chamundi Hill development
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar also raised concerns over development and increasing commercialisation on Chamundi Hill, saying the changes were affecting the religious character of the important pilgrimage site.
She expressed particular concern over construction activity being undertaken in the name of development.
“The construction works being carried out there in the name of development are alarming. Controlled blasts to clear rocks for a multi-level parking complex caused cracks in the walls of the historic Rajendra Vilas Palace, which was being renovated atop the hill,” she said.
Chamundi Hill is closely associated with the Chamundeshwari Temple and occupies a central place in Mysuru’s religious and cultural landscape. Her remarks focused on the need to protect the heritage and religious character of the hill while undertaking development works.
Legal disputes over royal properties
Speaking about long-pending legal disputes concerning properties associated with the erstwhile royal family, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said several matters continued to remain before the courts.
“There are innumerable cases pending before the court — far too many to count. We have won a few of them, but the governments have failed to implement them,” she said.
She did not provide details of the individual cases during the interaction but said the issue remained a longstanding concern for the royal family.
Private Durbar schedule announced
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar also shared the schedule for the traditional Private Durbar, or Khasgi Durbar, to be held at Mysuru Palace during the Dasara festivities.
The assembly of the Golden Throne, known as Simhasana Jodane, is scheduled for October 5. The Private Durbar will commence on October 11 at 11.45 am.
Saraswati Puja will be held on October 16, followed by Ayudha Puja on October 20 at 11.35 am.
The Vijayadashami procession is scheduled to take place on October 21 at 8.15 am.
The Private Durbar remains one of the traditional ceremonies associated with the Mysuru royal family’s observance of Dasara. The schedule forms part of the palace’s customary festivities held alongside the public celebrations of Mysuru Dasara.
Focus on preserving cultural identity
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar’s comments touched on the preservation of the traditional character of Dasara and the protection of heritage spaces such as Chamundi Hill.
Her suggestion regarding Kambala also underlined the distinct cultural identity of the coastal buffalo race. Rather than being presented only as an attraction within a larger celebration, she argued that a dedicated festival could provide Kambala with greater visibility and allow its traditions and heritage to be showcased more extensively.
As preparations gather pace for Mysuru Dasara, her remarks add to the discussion over how traditional cultural practices can be presented while retaining their individual significance and identity.