Mangaluru: As preparations gather pace for the first Dasara Kambala in Mysuru, 160 pairs of buffaloes are set to travel from coastal Karnataka to Mysuru on October 16 for the traditional buffalo race scheduled on October 18 and 19.

The buffaloes will begin their journey from the premises of Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple at 10.30 am on October 16. They will halt at Madikeri during the journey and are expected to reach Mysuru the same night, according to details shared during the preparations.

The Kambala is being organised as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations and is expected to bring the traditional coastal Karnataka sport to a new audience in the cultural capital of the State.

Buffaloes to leave Puttur on October 16

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said the 160 buffalo pairs will leave for Mysuru on October 16.

The animals will travel together from Puttur and halt at Madikeri en route. They are expected to reach Mysuru on the same day, allowing them to rest before the competitions begin.

October 17 has been reserved as a rest day for the buffaloes. The competitions will begin on October 18, while the prize distribution ceremony is scheduled for October 19.

The travel and rest arrangements are intended to give the animals adequate time to recover before participating in the races.

147-metre Kambala track under preparation

A 147-metre Kambala track is being prepared at the Mysuru venue for the two-day event.

A trial run involving around five buffalo pairs is scheduled for October 10. The trial will provide organisers an opportunity to check the track and other arrangements before the main competition begins.

The track will host races across different categories, with buffalo owners and Kambala teams from coastal Karnataka expected to participate.

The event is being positioned as part of the larger Mysuru Dasara programme, which runs from October 11 to 21.

Seating planned for 15,000 spectators

Organisers are making seating arrangements for around 15,000 spectators at the venue.

To manage the expected crowd, free passes will be issued in three different time slots. In addition to the 15,000 spectators accommodated through the seating arrangements, another 5,000 people will be allowed to watch the event without passes.

This means the arrangements could accommodate around 20,000 spectators at a time, depending on the movement of visitors.

The organisers are expecting significant public interest because the Kambala is being held in Mysuru as part of the Dasara celebrations.

Rai said around 25 lakh people are expected to witness the event during the broader Mysuru Dasara celebrations.

Government announces financial support

The State government will provide financial assistance to participating buffalo pairs.

According to the details announced, Rs 65,000 will be provided for each senior-category buffalo pair, while each junior-category pair will receive Rs 50,000.

Rai said buffalo owners have sought an increase in the remuneration. A proposal on the matter will be discussed with Mysuru district authorities and the Dasara committee.

The financial support is intended to assist participating teams with expenses connected with transporting and maintaining the buffaloes for the event.

Gold prizes for senior category

The Kambala competition will also feature gold prizes for the top performers in the senior category.

The winners will receive 16 grams of gold, while runners-up will receive 8 grams of gold.

Buffalo owners have also requested gold medals for competitors who finish third and fourth.

The prize structure is expected to add to the competitive aspect of the event and attract established Kambala teams from coastal Karnataka.

The Karnataka State Kambala Association is involved in the preparations, with its president Aikalabava Deviprasad Shetty among those present during the discussions.

Coastal Karnataka cuisine to be showcased

The two-day event will also include a food component showcasing the cuisine of coastal Karnataka.

Food stalls will be spread across nearly five acres at the venue.

The arrangement is intended to give visitors an opportunity to experience traditional coastal food alongside the Kambala competitions.

The combination of the sporting event and food stalls is expected to make the Kambala venue an additional attraction for visitors attending Mysuru Dasara.

Kambala becomes part of Mysuru Dasara

Kambala is traditionally associated with the coastal districts of Karnataka, particularly Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, where buffalo races are held during the agricultural season.

Bringing the event to Mysuru as part of Dasara represents an expansion of the festival’s programme beyond its traditional royal, cultural and religious events.

The Mysuru edition will allow visitors from different parts of Karnataka and other States to watch the sport without travelling to the coastal region.

The event is also expected to provide a platform for coastal Karnataka’s cultural traditions to be presented before the large audience that gathers in Mysuru during Dasara.

Preparations continue ahead of October event

With the buffaloes scheduled to arrive on October 16, organisers have limited time to complete the arrangements.

The trial run on October 10 will be an important stage in testing the 147-metre track before the participating animals arrive.

The organisers will also have to coordinate the movement and accommodation of the buffaloes, spectator management, competition schedules and food stalls.

The October 17 rest day will give the animals time to settle after their journey from Puttur before the races begin on October 18.

Conclusion

The first Dasara Kambala in Mysuru is taking shape with 160 buffalo pairs set to travel from Puttur to Mysuru on October 16. The animals will halt at Madikeri and reach Mysuru the same night, with October 17 reserved as a rest day.

The two-day competition will begin on October 18, with prize distribution on October 19. A 147-metre track, seating for around 15,000 spectators and additional space for 5,000 people are being arranged, while coastal Karnataka cuisine will be showcased through food stalls spread across nearly five acres.