Report: Shekar Ajekar
Pics: Akrithi Studio
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (LD)

Moodbidri, Jan 22: Popular buffalo race (kambala) ‘Koti – Chennaya’ began here on Saturday January 22 in the presence of the religious leaders of three religions.

Fr Basil Vas, parish priest of Alangar church, Eshwar Bhat, administrator of Mahalingeshwar temple and Shafi Sab representing the Muslim community, were the inaugurators. Prayers were offered by them according to their respective religious practices and ‘Koti – Chennaya kambala’ was given the green signal.

After the prayer ceremony a pair of bulls were brought into the race track by Saanur Kooga Acharya and the other pairs and participants were welcomed in a traditional way by offering arecanut and leaves. 

Kuldeep M who belonges to the Chauta palace symbolically inaugurated the race by lighting the lamp. President of Kambala committee K Abhayachanra, president of Mumbai Bunts Association Ikala Harish Shetty, Steven Mendis of Western Institute, Meghanath Shetty, Irvattur Bhaskar Kotyan, Thimmya Shetty, K Gunapala Kadhamba, P K Thomas, Rathnakar Moily, Chandrahas Sanil, Naveenchandra Amboori, Suresh Prabhu, Mithun Shetty and others were present .

The kambala will be held for two days.