Mysuru: The traditional Kambala buffalo race is all set to make its debut at Mysuru Dasara, with preparations nearing completion for the two-day event scheduled at Sathagalli on October 18 and 19. The first-ever Dasara Kambala will bring the traditional sport of coastal Karnataka to Mysuru as part of the 2026 Dasara celebrations.
The event will be held on Mysuru Development Authority land near the VTU Regional Centre, where a slush-filled racing track and supporting infrastructure are being developed. The official Dasara programme has scheduled the races from 9 am on both days.
The event is expected to bring a large number of buffalo pairs, owners, jockeys and supporters from coastal Karnataka to Mysuru. Preparations include the construction of the racing track, spectator facilities, parking, sanitation and other arrangements required for the competition.
First Kambala at Mysuru Dasara
Kambala is traditionally associated with coastal Karnataka, particularly the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi regions. The sport involves pairs of buffaloes racing through a slush-filled track, guided by trained runners.
Its inclusion in Mysuru Dasara represents an expansion of the festival’s cultural programme, bringing a sporting tradition from the coastal belt to the State’s cultural capital.
The proposal to include Kambala in Dasara had been discussed earlier, but arrangements for the event could not be completed for the 2025 festival. The 2026 edition has now been formally included in the Dasara programme, with the races fixed for October 18 and 19.
Sathagalli venue takes shape
The Kambala venue is being developed at Sathagalli, near the VTU Regional Centre and the Mysuru Ring Road.
The site is located on MDA land that has been handed over to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports for the event. Infrastructure being developed at the venue includes the slush racing track, spectator facilities, food courts, sanitation arrangements and parking.
Recent reports said track construction had entered its final phase, with officials and members of the State Kambala Committee inspecting the site and reviewing arrangements.
Reports have mentioned slightly different measurements for the track as construction progressed. Recent organisers’ updates have referred to a track of about 147 metres, while earlier preparations involved twin tracks of around 152 metres. The final competition layout will be based on the arrangements approved for the event.
Around 150 to 160 buffalo pairs expected
A large contingent of buffaloes is expected to travel from coastal Karnataka for the inaugural Mysuru Kambala.
Recent preparations indicated that around 150 to 160 selected pairs could participate. Organisers had received applications from a larger number of buffalo pairs and planned to shortlist participants based on their previous performance and other criteria.
The participating animals are expected to come mainly from areas such as Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Puttur and Karkala, bringing established Kambala teams to Mysuru.
The arrival of the buffaloes will require detailed arrangements for transportation, food, water, rest and veterinary care.
Buffaloes to travel to Mysuru from Puttur
According to the latest preparations, around 160 buffalo pairs are scheduled to leave from the premises of Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple at 10.30 am on October 16.
The animals will halt at Madikeri during the journey before proceeding to Mysuru. They are expected to reach the city the same night, giving them time to rest before the competition.
October 17 has been designated as a rest day for the buffaloes. The races will begin the following morning, allowing the animals and their teams to settle in before participating.
The organisers have also been discussing arrangements for ensuring that the buffaloes have access to suitable drinking water and other facilities during their stay.
Trial run planned before competition
A trial run is being conducted to test the racing track and other arrangements before the main event.
Recent reports said a trial involving a small number of buffalo pairs was planned ahead of the October competition. The exercise is intended to help organisers assess the condition of the slush track and identify any technical or logistical issues before the main races.
The trial is also expected to help teams familiarise themselves with the new venue, which differs from the traditional Kambala tracks used in coastal Karnataka.
With the event being held for the first time in Mysuru, the track’s surface, water management and other facilities will be closely monitored.
Spectator arrangements being made
The organisers are preparing the venue to accommodate thousands of spectators during the two-day competition.
Recent reports have mentioned seating arrangements for around 15,000 spectators at a time, along with an additional area that could accommodate around 5,000 people without passes. Timed passes are also planned in multiple slots to allow more visitors to watch the races during the day.
The arrangements are significant because Kambala is expected to attract both residents and tourists who are visiting Mysuru for Dasara.
The event will also provide visitors from outside coastal Karnataka an opportunity to see the traditional sport in person without travelling to the coastal districts.
Kambala adds coastal tradition to Dasara
Mysuru Dasara traditionally features a combination of royal ceremonies, cultural programmes, sporting events, food festivals and public attractions.
The addition of Kambala expands this programme by bringing a distinct coastal Karnataka tradition into the festival.
Organisers have described the event as an opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity of Karnataka. The two-day competition is expected to bring together participants and spectators from different parts of the State.
The official Dasara programme lists Kambala alongside several other major events on October 18 and 19, making it one of the festival’s new attractions in 2026.
Event also draws environmental concerns
The introduction of Kambala in Mysuru has also generated concerns from environmentalists and activists.
Questions have been raised about water use, tree removal, expenditure and animal welfare in connection with the preparation of the venue.
Reports have estimated that around 10 lakh litres of water could be required over 48 hours to prepare the slush-filled tracks. Preparatory work at the site has also attracted scrutiny over the clearing of trees.
The concerns have emerged in the context of deficient rainfall in the region this year. Organisers and officials, meanwhile, have continued preparations for the event as part of the officially approved Dasara programme.
The differing views around the event are likely to remain part of the public discussion as Mysuru prepares to host its first Dasara Kambala.
Prize distribution on October 19
The competition will continue through October 18 and 19, with the prize distribution scheduled for the second day.
Organisers have also announced remuneration for participating buffalo pairs in different categories. Recent reports said senior-category pairs would receive Rs 65,000 and junior-category pairs Rs 50,000, while participants have sought higher remuneration and additional prizes.
The races will be conducted in different categories, following the competitive format traditionally associated with Kambala.
The event will therefore combine the competitive aspect of the sport with the cultural presentation of coastal Karnataka’s traditions to a wider audience.
Conclusion
The first-ever Mysuru Dasara Kambala is set to take place at Sathagalli on October 18 and 19, bringing coastal Karnataka’s traditional buffalo race to the State’s biggest annual festival. With around 150 to 160 buffalo pairs expected, track construction nearing completion and spectator facilities being prepared, organisers are working towards the inaugural event while environmental and resource-use concerns remain part of the discussion.