MYSURU: The grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations witnessed a historic addition on October 18, with coastal Karnataka’s traditional buffalo race, Kambala, making its debut at the state festival. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the event, bringing the region’s distinctive folk traditions and sporting heritage to one of Karnataka’s biggest cultural celebrations.
The event was organised near the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Regional Centre at Sathagalli, drawing attention to a traditional sport deeply rooted in the culture of coastal Karnataka.
The introduction of Kambala to Mysuru Dasara offered visitors an opportunity to experience a sporting tradition associated particularly with the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi regions.
Kambala brings coastal Karnataka’s traditions to Mysuru
Kambala is a traditional buffalo race conducted on a slushy track, with pairs of buffaloes guided by handlers racing through the muddy course. The sport has long been associated with rural life, agricultural traditions and community celebrations in coastal Karnataka.
Its inclusion in Mysuru Dasara marked an effort to showcase the cultural diversity of the state at a single festival. Mysuru Dasara traditionally features religious ceremonies, cultural performances, exhibitions and sporting events, attracting visitors from across India and abroad.
During the inauguration, Shivakumar paid floral tributes to images of Goddess Chamundeshwari and Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the connection between Kambala and the coastal region’s soil, folk culture and traditions preserved across generations. He said programmes of this kind could help safeguard Karnataka’s diverse cultural heritage and introduce it to younger generations.
Event attended by ministers and legislators
Several ministers, legislators and public representatives attended the inaugural programme.
Those present included Ministers Puttarangashetty and N. Chaluvarayaswamy, along with MLAs G.T. Devegowda, Tanveer Sait, K. Harish Gowda and Ashok Rai.
Former MLA Narendra Babu and State Kambala Committee president Devi Prasad Shetty were also among the dignitaries at the event. Representatives associated with development corporations attended the programme as well.
The participation of leaders from different parts of Karnataka reflected the event’s emphasis on presenting regional traditions on a statewide platform.
Traditional sport gets a wider platform
Kambala’s debut at Mysuru Dasara is expected to introduce the sport to audiences who may be more familiar with the palace festivities, the Jamboo Savari procession and the cultural programmes associated with the annual celebration.
The buffalo race is a distinctive part of coastal Karnataka’s cultural identity. Its traditional format, muddy track and close association with rural communities make it different from conventional competitive sporting events.
By bringing Kambala to Mysuru, organisers have created an opportunity to showcase the region’s sporting customs beyond their traditional geographical base. The event also highlights the diversity of Karnataka’s cultural practices, which vary across coastal, Malnad and interior regions.
The initiative forms part of the broader effort to expand the range of cultural and sporting attractions offered during Dasara.
A new addition to the Dasara calendar
Mysuru Dasara has evolved over centuries, incorporating cultural performances, sporting competitions, exhibitions and public events alongside its traditional religious ceremonies.
The addition of Kambala represents a new chapter in that evolution, connecting a prominent coastal Karnataka tradition with the heritage festival of Mysuru.
The inaugural event has given the traditional buffalo race a wider platform and created an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the customs and sporting heritage of the coastal districts. It also reinforces the role of large cultural festivals in bringing together traditions from different parts of the state.
With Kambala now included in the Mysuru