Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Oct 22: Kambala season which begins in November every year, is fast approaching. However, a decision is yet to be taken in Dakshina Kannada district about whether to permit holding of this traditional folklore buffalo race that is very popular in rural places in coastal Karnataka.

The deputy commissioner of Udupi has denied permission to hold Kambala in that district. Kambala Samiti heads of Dakshina Kannada, and Udupi districts had requested the deputy commissioners of these three districts to accord permission to organize Kambalas during the 2016-17 season. Out of them, Udupi deputy commissioner has written back, denying permission for the same. He said in the letter that permission cannot be granted for Kambala as a case against it is pending hearing in Supreme Court.

Deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Dr K G Jagadeesh, acknowledged receipt of the letter of Kambala Samiti and clarified that it has been sent to legal department for scrutiny. He added that a final decision would be conveyed once the response of legal department is received.

Ashok Kumar Rai said that on behalf of Kambala Samiti, denial of permission by Udupi administration would be questioned in the state High Court on behalf of the Samiti.