Bengaluru gears up for Maiden Kambala Buffalo Race on November 25-26
Bengaluru is set to witness the inaugural edition of 'Kambala,' an exhilarating buffalo race traditionally held on mud tracks in Karnataka.
Bengaluru: Bengaluru is set to witness the inaugural edition of ‘Kambala,’ an exhilarating buffalo race traditionally held on mud tracks in coastal Karnataka. The event is scheduled to take place on November 25 and 26 at the Palace Grounds, as announced by the organizing committee.
In addition to the thrilling buffalo race, organizers have undertaken the ambitious task of recreating the entire cultural tapestry of coastal Karnataka in the state capital during the event. Prakash Shetty, the chairperson of the organizing committee, expressed their commitment to showcasing Kambala, a cultural gem from ‘Tulunadu,’ to a wider audience.
“It was our commitment and dream to bring Kambala from ‘Tulunadu,’ spread from Kasaragod to Maravanthe beach, to Bengaluru. We are also bringing for you the culture, cuisines, and heritage of coastal Karnataka,” said Prakash Shetty.
The event is expected to feature 139 pairs of buffaloes that have traveled from the coastal region to participate. Former Minister and Hole Narasipura MLA HD Revanna have generously sponsored the food and stay of the buffaloes and their caretakers.
To ensure the smooth execution of the event, organizers even arranged for water to be brought to Bengaluru for the buffaloes. The main stage has been named after the late Kannada actor Puneeth Rajkumar, while the event itself is dedicated to the erstwhile Mysuru Maharaja, Sri Krishna Raja Wadiyar.
The organizers anticipate a massive turnout of around two lakh people during the event, with an estimated expenditure ranging from Rs 7.5 crore to Rs 8 crore. Prizes for the winners include 16 grams of gold and Rs 1 lakh for the first-place, eight grams of gold and Rs 50,000 for the first runner-up, and four grams of gold and Rs 25,000 for the third runner-up.
Beyond the monetary rewards, participants view the event as an opportunity to showcase the rich cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka to the world. The event is notably inclusive, with the participation of six Muslim groups and four Christian groups.
Celebrities, including Anushka Shetty of ‘Bahubali’ fame, who hails from coastal Karnataka, are expected to attend and cheer for the racers. Organizers have placed certain restrictions on photography, urging photographers not to use flashlights to avoid agitating the buffaloes.
