Puttur : Koti - Chennaya Kambala Continues to Enjoy Popular Support
by Mounesh Vishwakarma
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (RS/SP)
Puttur, Mar 8: One among the historically famous and highly popular buffalo races of Dakshina Kannada district, Koti-Chennaya Jodukere Kambala, got a rousing start at Devaramaru Gadde here, on Sunday March 7. The event witnessed the participation of more than 180 pairs of buffaloes, and a huge crowd comprising of people who came from all over the district enthusiastically watched the proceedings.
The Kambala, widely known as ‘Puttur Kambala’, was given a fresh beginning 18 years ago, under the leadership of Muttappa Rai, founder of ‘Jayakarnataka’, a social organization. Since then, it has been patronized by a large crowd every year. The number of people witnessing the event has been swelling with the passage of each year. The organizers say that the unique feature of this Kambala is that it has been attracting a large number of female audiences, unlike other Kambalas in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district.
The inaugural of the Kambala was conducted by performing traditional rituals. The race started with the traditional blowing of the horn and Chende and with the blessings of owners of the buffaloes.
The Kambala, which saw the participation of over 180 pairs of buffaloes, continued till the wee hours of Monday and the award distribution function for the owners of winning buffaloes will be held at the end of the race on Monday evening, informed the Kambala organizers.
Muttappa Rai, founder of ‘Jayakarnataka’ continues to organize this buffalo race at his native place Puttur. The local people say that that the Koti-Chennaya Kambala has gained a lot in terms of popularity, after Rai took over the reins of this annual event.
The race, which is organized at Devaramaru Gadde in front of Mahalingeswara temple here, is part of the ancient history of the district. The then kings and land lords used to organize this Kambala to showcase their prestige and also to check their luck, the locals say.