Mounesh VIshwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Feb 26: The 15th annual "Bantwal Kambala" is scheduled to take place on March 7 and 8 at the Moodooru-Padooru double track in Navoor Kudibail. Chief minister Siddaramaiah will be the chief guest for the event, confirmed former minister and honorary president of the Kambala committee, B Ramanath Rai.

Speaking at a press conference in B C Road after releasing the invitation card, Rai shared details regarding the grand scale of the upcoming festivities.

The inaugural ceremony will commence at 8:45 am on March 7 in the presence of Sri Vikhyatananda Swamiji of Soluru Mahasansthana, Sri Vidya Vachaspati Dr Santosh Guruji of Barkur Mahasansthana, Dr Padmaprasada Ajila of Aladangady Palace, and Fr Robert D'Souza, parish priest of Allipade Church.

The formal stage programme at 6:30 pm will be inaugurated by chief minister Siddaramaiah. The event will also see the participation of assembly speaker UT Khader, home minister Dr G Parameshwara, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, Kasargod MP Rajmohan Unnithan, and Kasargod MLA NA Nellikkunnu, among other political and social leaders.

Rai emphasised that the Bantwal Kambala is organised as a major folk festival. "We have consistently introduced innovations over the past 15 years, making it an unparalleled event that attracts film stars and prominent leaders," he said.

To accommodate the large number of fans, the committee has constructed a permanent stage and improved local infrastructure. A new road has been built from Pangodi to ensure smooth traffic flow, and extensive parking facilities have been arranged in nearby fields. This year, a special food festival will also be held alongside the traditional buffalo races.

Kambala committee president Pius L Rodriguez, working president Chandraprakash Shetty, convenor B Padmashekara Jain, general secretary Rajeeva Shetty Edthoor, and treasurer Philip Frank were present at the press conference.