Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Aug 19: The Jilla Kambala Samiti (R) for Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasargod districts, along with Rotary International Districts 3181 and 3182, and the Shivamogga Kambala Samiti, will host the 'Malenada Kambala Kreedotsava-2024-25' on April 19 and 20, 2025, at Machenahalli, Shivamogga.
Addressing media persons on Monday, August 19, at St Sebastian Community Hall in Mangaluru, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, president of Jilla Kambala Samithi, emphasised the significance of holding the event in Shivamogga.
“When the concerned people came to me and expressed the desire to organise Kambala in Shivamogga, we consulted all stakeholders and decided to proceed with it there. The Rotary Club’s involvement is a great encouragement, showcasing international support for Kambala. Our traditional Kambala, which has been played since the British era, is a vital part of our heritage. Modern versions are affecting our culture, but this event will preserve and promote our traditions. We are committed to ensuring the success of the Kambala in Shivamogga and will soon send a team to inspect the land and provide guidance,” he said.
Bhaskar S Kotian, former president of Jilla Kambala Samiti, discussed the logistical challenges of organising Kambala. “Organising Kambala is not simple. We must make arrangements considering the buffaloes’ needs, as they cannot express discomfort. Without a proper track, the event will not be successful. I was pleased with the track conditions in Bengaluru last year, but we must consider factors like heat and travel trauma for the buffaloes,” he said.
Vikram Datta, Governor of Rotary Club 3182, explained the Rotary Club’s role in the event. “People often question how Rotary benefits from organizing Kambala. Thanks to the 'Right for Rotary' program, we received a grant of $200,000. Since Shivamogga belongs to our district and many of its leaders are from our Rotary Club, we decided to organise this event here. Rotary has been instrumental in developing Lady Goschen Hospital, Udupi Rotary Hospital, and a medical college in Hassan. Through Kambala, we aim to reach rural communities and achieve global recognition for the event,” he stated.
Lokesh Shetty, president of Shivamogga Kambala Samiti, shared updates on preparations. “We decided to organise Kambala in Shivamogga with the support of Kalpana, who facilitated discussions with former deputy chief minister Eshwarappa. He was enthusiastic about the idea and allocated 12 acres of land with a river. All preliminary work is complete, and we are committed to organising a grand Kambala Kreedotsava. Our goal is to introduce people to our traditional sports and ensure the buffaloes are well cared for,” he said.
In response to concerns about buffalo health from the Bengaluru Kambala, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty assured that measures are in place for their care. “We held Kambala in Bengaluru in October, focusing on keeping the buffaloes healthy. We have instructed organisers to ensure proper arrangements, and our team from Shivamogga will oversee the process. We will have veterinary doctors and ambulances available and will make necessary provisions for water,” he confirmed.
The event will also see contributions from notable figures including Jagannath Kote, assistant Governor Udupi; P R Shetty, former president of Jilla Kambala Samiti; Dr Mamatha Shetty, MD of Abhimata News Channel; Arun Shetty; Raj Gopal Rai; and Shekar Shetty.
Kalpana Santosh, K S Nagapatri of Shri Nagayakshe Devasthana, Hegalatti, Thirthahalli taluk are also involved in organizing this coastal Karnataka folk sport in world heritage site Shivamogga.
This popular, caste-neutral rural sport will be under the leadership of former minister and president of Srigandha Institute and chairman of Nandana and FACE Education Institutions, K S Eshwarappa.