Mysuru: Preparations for the first-ever Dasara Kambala in Mysuru have entered the final phase, with the traditional coastal Karnataka buffalo race scheduled to be held on October 18 and 19 at Sathagalli as part of the 2026 Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
The event will take place on MDA land near the VTU Regional Centre, where a slush track is being prepared for the two-day competition. The State Kambala Committee has also formally handed over the symbolic ‘Kambalada Betha’, or Kambala cane, to Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, who is the chairman of the Dasara Kambala Sub-Committee.
The official Mysuru Dasara programme confirms that Kambala will be held on October 18 and 19 from 9 am at the track near VTU College.
Sathagalli venue gets ready
A delegation of the State Kambala Committee, led by Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu, recently inspected the ongoing construction of the Kambala slush track at Sathagalli.
The venue is located on MDA land that has been handed over to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports for the event. The track is being prepared specifically for the buffalo races, which traditionally take place on waterlogged paddy fields in coastal Karnataka.
The Mysuru event is expected to bring the coastal tradition to a new audience as part of the city’s annual Dasara festivities.
The official event website describes the arena as a purpose-built 150-metre waterlogged paddy track near the Sathagalli Bus Depot.
More than 130 buffalo pairs confirm participation
According to the organisers, owners of more than 130 pairs of buffaloes have already confirmed their participation, while the number could rise to around 150 pairs.
The animals are expected to travel to Mysuru from different parts of coastal Karnataka, including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The participating areas include Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Karkala and Puttur, with buffaloes and their owners making the long journey to Mysuru ahead of the competition. Earlier plans had indicated participation from several other coastal locations as well.
The official Dasara Kambala website says more than 150 pairs are expected to participate and that the competitors will be categorised according to age, height and speed capabilities.
Buffaloes to travel via Madikeri
The journey of the buffaloes to Mysuru is expected to begin between October 14 and 16, with some owners from Karkala planning to leave as early as October 14.
The animals will travel around 200 to 250 kilometres from the coastal districts towards Mysuru.
A mandatory rest stop has been planned on the outskirts of Madikeri, where the buffaloes will be provided food, water and time to rest before continuing their journey to Mysuru.
The organisers have said veterinary doctors will examine the animals before transportation. Buffaloes will be transported only after fitness certificates are issued.
The arrangements are intended to address the welfare and health requirements of the animals during the journey.
Parking and shelter arrangements discussed
Parking and accommodation arrangements for both visitors and participating buffaloes were among the issues discussed during the latest preparations.
The Kambala Committee delegation held discussions with Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi regarding parking for visitors and vehicles transporting buffaloes.
Designated areas are also being identified for tents and shelters where the animals can stay.
Police officials have instructed the concerned teams to make adequate security arrangements and ensure that the event does not cause unnecessary inconvenience to the public.
The large venue is expected to accommodate visitors, participating teams and support infrastructure associated with the two-day competition.
Traditional ‘Harivana’ invitation for buffalo owners
The organisers are also following traditional customs while inviting buffalo owners to participate in the Dasara Kambala.
Each owner is being formally invited with a ‘Harivana’ containing a copper plate, turmeric, kumkum, betel leaves, a Mysuru peta and a shawl.
According to the organising committee, the traditional invitation is intended as a mark of respect for the buffalo owners travelling from coastal Karnataka to participate in the event.
The practice also highlights the effort to retain the cultural character of Kambala while bringing the event to Mysuru.
‘Kambalada Betha’ formally handed over
The presentation of the ‘Kambalada Betha’ marks another important step in the preparations.
The cane is traditionally used by Kambala jockeys to guide and control the buffaloes during the race. Artisans traditionally select slender canes and treat them with controlled heat to make them flexible and durable before decorating them.
Animal welfare groups have raised concerns in the past over the use of the cane and possible injuries to buffaloes.
The State Kambala Committee has consequently modified the traditional cane. The newer version has a softened striking end using materials such as foam and sponge, locally known as ‘Gonde’, with the stated intention of reducing impact and using it mainly for guidance and signalling.
Kambala becomes part of Dasara programme
The inclusion of Kambala is a significant addition to the 2026 Mysuru Dasara programme.
The official Dasara website lists Kambala alongside the festival’s cultural, sporting and public programmes. The event will be held on October 18 and 19, beginning at 9 am, at the Kambala track near VTU College. Spectator entry is listed as free.
The event is expected to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience a traditional sporting practice closely associated with the coastal districts of Karnataka.
It also brings a distinctly coastal cultural element into the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
Cultural programmes and coastal cuisine
The Kambala event is expected to feature more than the races alone.
Earlier plans for the Mysuru Kambala included cultural programmes showcasing the traditions of the Karavali region, along with stalls offering coastal cuisine.
The official Kambala website similarly highlights Tuluva drumming, folk music and food stalls as part of the event atmosphere.
This combination is intended to make the event a wider cultural experience for visitors unfamiliar with the traditions surrounding Kambala.
Two days of racing at Sathagalli
The races will be conducted over two days, with the official schedule listing competitions from 9 am on both October 18 and 19.
The official event website lists championship rounds for the Kiriya and Hiriya sections along with a prize ceremony.
The organisers had earlier indicated that the event would feature a large number of buffalo pairs from the coastal region.
With the races being held during Dasara, the event is likely to attract both local spectators and visitors arriving in Mysuru for the festival.
Preparations involve multiple departments
A consultation meeting chaired by S. Ukesh Kumar was held at the Zilla Panchayat office to review and finalise preparations.
Representatives of the Kambala Sub-Committee and several government departments participated in the meeting.
Officials from the Zilla Panchayat, Public Works Department, Nirmiti Kendra and Animal Husbandry Department were among those involved in the discussions. State Kambala Committee Chairman and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai also shared inputs over the phone.
The involvement of multiple departments reflects the scale of arrangements required for an event involving hundreds of animals, participants and spectators.
Focus on animal health and public arrangements
The organisers have placed emphasis on veterinary checks, rest facilities and water and food arrangements during the buffaloes’ journey.
At the venue, parking, shelters and security are being planned alongside construction of the racing track.
The organisers will also need to manage the movement of participating animals and transport vehicles while ensuring that spectators can access the venue safely.
The latest preparations indicate that the event is moving from the planning stage towards execution ahead of the October 18 opening.
Conclusion
Mysuru’s first Dasara Kambala will be held on October 18 and 19 at Sathagalli, bringing the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka into the city’s 2026 Dasara celebrations. More than 130 buffalo pairs have already confirmed participation, with organisers expecting the number to reach around 150.
With the slush track under construction, veterinary arrangements being planned and participating buffaloes preparing to travel through Madikeri, preparations have entered their final phase. The event will combine Kambala races with elements of coastal Karnataka’s food, music and cultural traditions during the Dasara season.