Mangaluru: With several months left for the official start of the coastal Tulu Nadu folk sport Kambala, preparations have already kicked off with Kambala — the pre-season buffalo training ritual.
Held between April (end of the previous Kambala season) and November (start of the new season), Kambala serves as a warm-up platform to train racing buffaloes. It also helps in timing assessments, testing pair combinations, and even showcasing high-performing buffaloes for potential buyers. Traditionally, the Kambala begins in prominent Kambala fields, which are cleaned and flooded either by organizers or field owners themselves.
In a recent instance, the Kambala Muhurat was observed at Naringana on July 13 at 7:30 AM under the guidance of Naringana Kambala Samiti President U.T. Khadar. Though the exact date for the Naringana Kambala isn’t set, early training ensures sufficient preparation time for the buffaloes — roughly five months this year.
Last year’s Kambala began in mid-November, but discussions are underway to start this year’s season by late October to avoid the harsh April heat. However, due to Tulu Nadu traditions, buffaloes aren’t raced during the Aati month (July 15–August 15), so training will pause until August 16.
Kambala not only provides an early advantage but also supports young local racers, especially those without access to agricultural fields. It fosters grassroots preparation, keeping the spirit and fitness of Kambala alive year-round.