The traditional buffalo race from coastal Karnataka will be conducted at a venue near the VTU Regional Centre in Sathagalli. The event is part of the official Mysuru Dasara 2026 programme and is scheduled to begin at 9 am on both days.
Track construction enters final phase
The Kambala venue is being developed on Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) land at Sathagalli. The land has been handed over to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports for the event.
Members of the State Kambala Committee recently inspected the ongoing construction of the slush track and discussed the arrangements with district officials.
The official Kambala website describes the venue as a purpose-built track near VTU College, while reports from the organisers indicate that the construction work is now moving towards the final stage.
The track is being prepared to provide the waterlogged surface required for Kambala, where pairs of buffaloes race alongside trained runners.
More than 130 buffalo pairs confirm participation
More than 130 pairs of buffaloes have already confirmed their participation, according to the State Kambala Committee. The number is expected to increase as preparations progress.
The official Kambala website currently mentions more than 150 pairs of buffaloes as participants, while recent organisers’ estimates have put the likely participation at around 150 pairs or more.
The participating teams are expected to come mainly from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, along with Karkala and Puttur areas, bringing coastal Karnataka’s traditional buffalo-racing culture to Mysuru.
Buffaloes to travel from coastal Karnataka
The buffaloes will have to travel around 200 to 250 km from the coastal districts to Mysuru.
According to the Kambala Committee, the animals are expected to begin their journey around October 15 and 16, with some owners planning to start earlier.
A mandatory halt near Madikeri has been planned during the journey. The buffaloes will receive food, water and adequate rest before continuing towards Mysuru.
Veterinary doctors will examine the animals before transportation, and fitness certificates will be required before they begin their journey.
The arrangements are intended to ensure that the animals are fit for travel and the competition.
Parking and shelter arrangements being planned
The district administration and police are also working on arrangements for the large number of visitors and participating teams expected at the venue.
Discussions have been held on parking spaces for visitors as well as vehicles transporting the buffaloes. Designated areas are also being planned for tents and shelters where the animals can be accommodated.
Mysuru Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi has directed officials to make adequate security arrangements and take steps to minimise inconvenience to the public.
The event is expected to attract substantial public interest because it will bring a traditional coastal sport to the Mysuru Dasara celebrations for the first time.
Kambala scheduled for October 18 and 19
According to the official Mysuru Dasara programme, Kambala will be held on October 18 and 19 at the track near VTU College.
The races are scheduled to begin at 9 am on both days. The event will feature traditional buffalo races conducted in heats over the two-day programme. Entry for spectators is listed as free on the official Dasara website.
The dedicated Kambala portal also lists the event dates as October 18 and 19 and says the programme will include the inauguration, buffalo fitness checks, races and prize distribution.
Traditional coastal culture to be showcased
The Kambala event is being positioned as an opportunity to showcase the cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka to a wider audience during the State’s biggest annual festival.
Kambala has deep links with the agrarian traditions of the coastal districts, where buffalo races are traditionally conducted on slush tracks.
The Mysuru event is expected to bring together buffalo owners, runners and supporters from the coastal region while giving Dasara visitors an opportunity to experience the sport outside its traditional geographical setting.
The organisers are also preparing traditional hospitality arrangements for buffalo owners. The Kambala Committee has planned to formally invite participating owners with a traditional Harivana containing items including a copper plate, turmeric, kumkum, betel leaves, Mysuru peta and a shawl.
Officials review preparations
A consultation meeting chaired by Zilla Panchayat CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, who is also chairman of the Dasara Kambala Sub-Committee, was held to review preparations.
Officials from the Kambala Sub-Committee, Public Works Department, Nirmiti Kendra, Zilla Panchayat and Animal Husbandry Department participated in discussions.
The State Kambala Committee has also been involved in reviewing the track and other arrangements.
With the event only weeks away, authorities are focusing on completing the track, arranging accommodation and transport facilities for the buffaloes, managing parking and ensuring adequate security.
Final preparations underway
The October 18-19 Kambala is one of the new attractions being added to Mysuru Dasara 2026. The official festival programme lists more than 100 programmes across 15-plus venues between October 11 and 21.
As track construction progresses, organisers are now preparing for the arrival of buffaloes from coastal Karnataka and the expected visitor turnout.
The completion of the slush track, veterinary checks, transportation arrangements, parking and security will be key aspects of the final preparations before the first Kambala race begins in Mysuru.