Daijiworld Media Network - Karkala (SP)

Karkala, Dec 21: For the first time in the history of Kambala buffalo races, a Kambala was held without the use of customary whip or stick by the jockeys. The Kambala at Baradi in the taluk, was held in the presence of officials of various departments including tahsildar and policemen, representatives of Animal Welfare Trust, and others who kept a close watch on the proceedings on Saturday December 20.

This happens to be the first major Kambala to be organized after the blanket ban imposed on Kambalas by the deputy commissioners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.

Out of about 130 pairs of buffaloes which participated in this Kambala, most ran without being driven with the help of whip. The threat of ban had loomed large on Kambala because of the general belief that violence is being unleashed on buffaloes at these races with whips and sticks. The Kambala at Baradi proved that Kambalas can be held without intimidating the animals.

Tahsildar of the taluk, Raghavendra, assisted by ten revenue officials, and police sub-inspector, Mahadeva Shetti and 40 police officials kept a close watch on the proceedings to ensure that the Kambala was held in strict compliance with the conditions set forth in the recent high court order.

Representatives of National Animal Welfare Board, Chennai, along with a team of assistants, also moved around stealthily to examine whether any violation is taking place, and whether the animals which participated in the Kambala had any injury marks on their bodies.