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Mangaluru Kambala in all its traditional ardour

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Mangaluru: The festival of Kambala is deeply rooted in the history of the people of coastal Karnataka. Irrespective of caste, creed, religion or culture, the rich and the poor come to take part in this most beloved farmer sport.

It is believed that Kambala originated almost 500 years back among the farming community of coastal Karnataka. The festival is purely dedicated to Kadri’s Lord Manjunatha, who was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that the celebrations happen to please the Gods for good harvest. The festival which can last for 24 hours, attracts up to 50,000 people a year. It is a gathering or an attraction which excites the people living in the area.

It is not a buffalo race to them, rather it has become a symbol of their emotions. Every year around the month of November and December, the chorus of Kambala festival begins but last year due to the pandemic, it was put on hold. Luckily this year, the district administration along with the Kambala association has given the green flag and the event started from January 30 onwards. 

Mangaluru is considered one of the places where Kambala is celebrated in a huge manner. In the wake of the pandemic, the Mangaluru Kambala association has asked all Kambala organisers to implement all the preventive measures like wearing masks, keeping distance and sanitising to make sure that the event goes in a smooth way.

“In Modern Kambala festival, about 17 to 20 events are held but this time its limited to just 6. We had urged people above the age of 60 to not attend the programme and there were screens attached in the grounds so that people can watch,” says Captain Brijesh Chowta, President of the Mangaluru Kambala association.

Under the leadership of Chowta, the fourth edition of Rama-Lakshmana Jodukere Kambala was inaugurated by president of Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garodi, Kankanady, K Chittaranjan on Friday March 6 at Goldfinch City, Bangra Kulur.

Former MLC Capt. Ganesh Karnik, delivering the presidential address at the Kambala said, “When paddy cultivation is declining in the parts of rural areas, Kambala is helping to keep agriculture prosperous. Kambala will also help the development of tourism in the district. Cultural activities like these will preserve the culture and help to strengthen human relationships.”

The event was held in six categories such as Negilu (junior) section, Hagga (junior) section, Negilu (senior) section, Hagga (junior) section, Kane Halage and Adda Halage.

Around 155 participated in this Kambala under these categories. Speaking about the success of the festival, Chowta said, “we established this Kambala in the city so that the new generation can understand and learn about the culture and we are indeed happy with the kind of reception and success it has received this time.”

The winners of Kane Halage, Hagga and Negilu (senior) were awarded 2 sovereigns of gold and runners-up were awarded 1 sovereign of gold. Meanwhile, winners of the Adda Halage, Hagga, Negilu (junior) section were awarded 1 sovereign of gold and runners-up, half a sovereign of gold.

The prize distribution ceremony which took place on Saturday March 7 was presided by Zilla president Meenakshi Shanthigodu. Mangaluru city Corporation commissioner Akshay Shridhar, Mangaluru Urban Development Authority chairman Ravishankar Mijar and others were present. 

A Photography and drawing competition on the theme of ‘Mangaluru Kambala’ was held on the occasion. The photography competition was judged Ravi Posavanike, special photographer, The Times of India and Satish Ira, senior photographer, Udayavani.

The results of the photography competition are as follows

1st Place: Steven Pais

2nd Place: Rakesh Rai

3rd Place: Mallikarjuna Sharma

 

The results of the Drawing competition are as follows:

Rang da Ellya

1st Place:  Skandani

2nd Place:  Abhay H Nayak

 

Rang Da Malla

1st Place: Mokshith Suresh

2nd Place: Anoop A

 

Rang Da Koota

1st Place: Khushi P Kunder

2nd Place: Poojashree

3rd Place: Pratheeksha Kamath.

For the people of Tulunadu, the festival of Kambala holds together years of history and with more people moving to the cities, Mangaluru Kambala has become an important annual event for them.

Image Coutesy Tarjani communications.

To view the results of Rama-Lakshmana Jodukere Kambala, click on the link below…

Rama-lakshmana-jodukere-kambala-results-2021

Mangaluru Kambala in all its traditional ardour
Mangaluru Kambala in all its traditional ardour
Mangaluru Kambala in all its traditional ardour
Mangaluru Kambala in all its traditional ardour
Mangaluru Kambala in all its traditional ardour

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SC H Varghese

Harshita Mary Varghese graduated with a Masters in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Aloysius College Mangaluru and is quickly learning the ropes of the emerging Media Industry. She has excellent language and reportage skills. She excels at human interest and travel stories.

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