Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 22: The 14th annual 'Thiruvailotsava Sankupoonja-Devupoonja' Jodukere Kambala was inaugurated at the Kambala field in front of the Thiruvailu Amrutheshwara Temple on Sunday.
Speaking after inaugurating the event, Ganesh Rao, chairman of GR Medical College and Karavali Group of Colleges, emphasized the growing popularity of the folk sport. "Because Kambala is being organised in an excellent and systematic manner in our villages, it has now reached Bengaluru. Preparations are under way to organise it in other places as well. Let us spread the essence of Kambala nationwide while upholding its core principles of animal welfare and nature worship," he said.
He further noted that while forests are being cleared and animals harmed globally for human greed, the coastal region demonstrates harmony with nature by rearing buffaloes with love and continuing agricultural traditions. He stressed that everything created by God is worthy of worship and deserves equal respect.
Traditional rituals and procession
Prior to the formal inauguration, special prayers and religious rituals were performed at the Amrutheshwara Temple in the morning. This was followed by a traditional procession to the Guttu House to offer prayers to the local deities. The Kambala track was then officially opened following the completion of religious formalities.
During the event, Ganesh Rao was felicitated by the committee for his contributions to the field of education and his support for local culture.
Dignitaries present
Several prominent personalities attended the event, including Dr Manjayya Shetty, hereditary trustee of Polali Temple, Dilraj Alva, member of the Kadri Temple management committee, Shedde Manjunath Bhandary, Muchur Kalkude Lokesh Shetty, and Santosh Kumar Hosalakke, president of Gurupura Bunts' Association.
Other dignitaries included entrepreneur Harish Shetty, Taranath Bhandary of Kodethooru Guttu Devasya, former mayor Bhaskar K, Naveen Chandra Shetty of Thiruvailu Guttu (founder and president of the Kambala committee), Mithun M Rai, T Pravin Chandra Alva, Rajkumar Shetty, Prasad Malli, and Dr Abhilash PV.
The programme was compered by Ashwin Rai Bondanthila.