Mysuru: Preparations for the grand Kambala festival to be held as part of the world-famous Mysuru Dasara Mahotsav 2026 have begun near the VTU campus along Satagalli Ring Road.

The traditional buffalo race is scheduled to be conducted on October 18 and 19, with around 130 pairs of buffaloes reportedly registered to participate. The event is expected to add a distinctive coastal Karnataka sporting tradition to the Dasara celebrations.

Work has now commenced on preparing the venue, including levelling and paving the field and constructing the dedicated track required for the buffalo races.

Kambala track construction begins

The proposed venue near VTU, close to Satagalli Ring Road, is being developed to accommodate the Kambala races. Workers have begun preparations for the racing field, with construction activities focusing on creating a suitable track for the participating buffalo pairs.

Kambala traditionally involves specially trained buffaloes racing through a slushy paddy field, guided by their jockeys. The sport has deep cultural roots in the coastal districts of Karnataka and has grown into a major sporting and cultural attraction.

Holding the event during Mysuru Dasara is expected to give the traditional sport a wider platform and introduce it to visitors from different parts of Karnataka and the country.

130 pairs registered

According to the organisers, around 130 pairs of buffaloes have been registered for the Dasara Kambala event.

With the races scheduled over two days, organisers are preparing the venue and associated infrastructure well in advance. Various Kambala committees have reportedly held meetings to discuss arrangements and prepare a detailed plan for conducting the event successfully.

The preparations include the construction of the racing track and other facilities required to accommodate participants, animals, officials and spectators.

Tree cutting triggers opposition

The preparations for the event have also attracted criticism.

The Sports Department had earlier reportedly cut down more than 40 trees at the proposed location as part of the preparations. The tree-cutting activity prompted opposition from farmers’ organisations and sections of the media.

Questions were raised over the environmental impact of developing the Kambala venue and the necessity of cutting trees for the event.

The protests have added another dimension to the preparations for the Dasara Kambala, with concerns over environmental protection being raised alongside the promotion of traditional sporting culture.

Organisers plan smooth conduct

Despite the opposition, construction of the Kambala track has now commenced at the proposed venue.

Various Kambala committees are coordinating the preparations and holding meetings to finalise arrangements for the two-day event. The organisers are expected to focus on ensuring that the track meets the requirements of the traditional buffalo race while also making adequate arrangements for visitors.

The large number of registered buffalo pairs means that detailed scheduling and logistical planning will be essential. Proper arrangements will also be required for the transportation and accommodation of participating animals, as well as facilities for their handlers and jockeys.

Coastal tradition comes to Dasara

Kambala is closely associated with the agrarian traditions of coastal Karnataka, particularly the regions of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Traditionally held in wetland fields after the agricultural season, the sport has evolved into a major cultural event while retaining its connection with farming communities.

Bringing Kambala to Mysuru Dasara represents an effort to showcase this regional tradition on one of Karnataka’s biggest cultural platforms.

The Dasara celebrations already feature a wide range of cultural programmes, sporting events and traditional performances. The addition of Kambala is expected to provide visitors with an opportunity to witness a sport strongly associated with the heritage of Tulunadu.

At the same time, the concerns raised over tree cutting and the use of land for the event are likely to remain part of the public discussion as preparations continue.

October event awaits final preparations

With the races scheduled for October 18 and 19, organisers have several weeks to complete the track and other infrastructure at the Satagalli Ring Road venue.

The successful conduct of the event will depend on coordination between the organising committees and government departments, along with adequate arrangements for participants, spectators and animal welfare.

The commencement of track construction marks a significant step in the preparations for the first major Kambala event being planned as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. With around 130 pairs already registered, expectations are high for a colourful and competitive two-day sporting spectacle.

However, addressing environmental concerns and ensuring responsible management of the venue will also be important as Mysuru prepares to host the traditional coastal sport alongside its annual Dasara festivities.