Mangaluru: The ninth edition of the Mangaluru Kambala, a celebrated traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, was inaugurated on Saturday at Goldfinch City in Bangrakuluru, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from across the state and beyond. The event was organised under the leadership of Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt Brijesh Chowta and witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Indian Olympic boxing icon Mary Kom, whose attendance added national prominence to the cultural spectacle.
The inaugural ceremony marked yet another milestone for Mangaluru Kambala, which has steadily grown over the years into one of the most anticipated cultural and sporting events in the region. With nearly 170 pairs of racing buffaloes competing across different categories, the event reaffirmed its status as a unifying platform celebrating Tulunadu’s heritage, agrarian roots and community spirit.
Mary Kom greets Tulunadu in Tulu
Addressing the gathering, Mary Kom greeted the people of Tulunadu in their native language, saying “Mantheregla Namaskara,” a gesture that was met with loud applause and cheers from the audience. Expressing her gratitude to the organisers, she said it was an honour to be part of a tradition as unique and deeply rooted as Kambala.
“I would like to thank Capt Brijesh Chowta for hosting such a wonderful event and for inviting me here. Coming from a humble village in Manipur, I feel a deep connection with festivals that are rooted in tradition and community life,” Mary Kom said. She added that Kambala stood out as a unique sporting tradition not seen elsewhere in the country, and the fact that Mangaluru was hosting it for the ninth consecutive year made the occasion even more special.
The Olympic medallist also lauded the buffalo owners, farmers and participants who have kept the centuries-old tradition alive despite modern challenges. She noted that such events play a crucial role in preserving indigenous sports and passing them on to younger generations.
Prizes distributed during formal inauguration
During the formal inaugural ceremony held in the evening, Mary Kom distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions organised as part of the Kambala festivities. The winners were felicitated amid enthusiastic applause from the crowd, which included families, tourists and cultural enthusiasts.
The slushy Kambala track at Goldfinch City became the focal point of excitement as buffalo pairs raced through the fields, guided by skilled jockeys, showcasing speed, strength and coordination. The event attracted a large number of spectators not only from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts but also from other parts of Karnataka and neighbouring states.
Capt Brijesh Chowta outlines vision for Mangaluru
Earlier in the day, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta addressed the gathering and highlighted the cultural and civilisational importance of Mangaluru and Tulunadu. “Mangaluru is not merely our land; it is the cradle of Sanatana culture and the identity of Tulunadu,” he said.
He emphasised the need to counter misinformation and false propaganda about Dakshina Kannada district while working collectively towards development. “It is our priority and responsibility to build Mangaluru 2.0 and a ‘Viksit Mangaluru,’ in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the active participation of local people,” he said.
Capt Chowta recalled that the Mangaluru Kambala, which began eight years ago, has succeeded in uniting people from all sections and communities of Tulunadu. He added that the ninth edition was organised in a meaningful manner by integrating “new traditions and New Year” celebrations along with the age-old sporting event.
Patriotic fervour with ‘Vande Mataram’
One of the most moving moments of this year’s Kambala was the collective rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ on the Kambala ground. As part of the celebrations marking 150 years of the iconic patriotic song, 150 girl students dressed in white stood along the edge of the slushy track and sang in unison, filling the atmosphere with pride and patriotic fervour.
The rendition drew widespread appreciation from spectators and dignitaries alike, blending cultural celebration with national sentiment.
New initiatives add colour to festivities
This year’s Mangaluru Kambala stood out for introducing five distinctive initiatives aimed at broadening its cultural and social impact. These included a painting exhibition depicting the life and valour of Rani Abbakka, the legendary queen of Ullal; distribution of saplings under the Prime Minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign; and felicitation of ‘Back to Ooru’ entrepreneurs who have returned to their native places to build local enterprises.
In addition, the organisers shared festive moments with senior citizens from old-age homes, underlining the inclusive spirit of the event. Four competitions for children — ‘Rang the Koota’ painting, photography, reels, and the tech-driven ‘AI Creative Yodha’ — further enhanced the vibrancy and appeal of the celebrations.
Conclusion
With a blend of tradition, patriotism, innovation and community participation, the ninth Mangaluru Kambala reinforced its place as more than just a sporting event. The presence of a global sports icon like Mary Kom, along with meaningful social initiatives and strong public participation, highlighted how traditional festivals can evolve while staying rooted in heritage, making Kambala a proud symbol of Tulunadu’s living culture.