Pics: Nayana J C
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 26: The third annual floodlit ‘Moolur–Addur Jodukare Kambala’ will be held at Manibettu in Gurupura on April 4 with grand arrangements, announced Kambala Committee president Inayat Ali.
Speaking at a press conference, Ali emphasized that Kambala is not merely a sport but a symbol of the culture and tradition of Tulunadu. He stated that the primary objective of organizing the event is to preserve this traditional sport and introduce the cultural heritage to the next generation by bringing people together regardless of caste, religion, or political differences.
He recalled that deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, who had previously witnessed the event, had expressed plans to introduce Kambala during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. While technical reasons prevented its inclusion last year, Ali expressed hope that the traditional sport would be featured in the upcoming Dasara festival.
The event will be inaugurated at 8:30 am on April 4 by Ajith Kumar Rai Maladi, president of Bantar Yane Nadavar Mathru Sangha. The evening program at 6:30 pm will be inaugurated by former MP and BAMUL Bengaluru president D K Suresh. Assembly Speaker U T Khader, minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and several other dignitaries are expected to participate.
In a gesture of appreciation, each buffalo owner participating in the Kambala will be presented with a silver coin and 30 kg of horse gram. In the Kanehalage category, buffaloes that splash water up to the specified height will be awarded 1-gram gold medals. The event will also feature a felicitation of Yakshagana artists, a food festival, a Kerala Chende performance, and a fireworks display.
District Kambala Committee secretary Gunapala Kadamba noted that in earlier days, Kambala was a month-long fair where farmers exchanged goods and built mutual respect. He stressed the importance of discipline, stating that once buffaloes are released onto the track, only the runner and handler should be within the field to preserve the dignity of the sport.
State Kambala Association office bearer Lokesh Shetty Muchoor added that sensor technology will be introduced this year to ensure accuracy in race timing and results.
The official invitation for the event was released by the dignitaries during the press meet.