The famous Mysuru Dasara will add a new coastal Karnataka attraction to its grand fest in the upcoming festival this year, as well as the traditional folk sport of Kambala to the list.
Preparations for the Kambala event are moving fast in Sattagalli in Mysuru, where a huge race track is being built on a 25-acre plot. The event will bring the excitement and traditional atmosphere of coastal Karnataka’s famous buffalo race to the cultural capital of the state.
The Kambala competition will take place on October 18 and 19, so residents and tourists visiting Mysuru during Dasara can see the traditional sport.
25-Acre Site Being Transformed Into Kambala Arena
The event will be organized on a 25-acre property at Sattagalli, which has been handed over by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports.
Preparatory work is already happening at the venue. Vegetation around the site is being cleared, while uneven parts of the land are being levelled to create the required Kambala arena.
Experienced workers from coastal Karnataka have been brought in to prepare for the track, as there are specific requirements in order to create a traditional Kambala field.
150-Metre Track for Buffalo Racing
The track is being constructed with good attention to the traditional structure of Kambala. Cement-brick retaining walls of about 3 feet in height and 150 metres in length are being prepared.
The central racing area, about 6 metres wide, is being prepared with a mixture of soil, sand and water. The combination is being carefully laid out to create the muddy track required for the buffalo races.
The traditional sport involves trained buffaloes running through the water-filled muddy track, guided by Kambala participants. The spectacle is fast, energetic and has strong ties to the agricultural traditions of coastal Karnataka.
Water Conservation Plan for Kambala
One of the major features of the Mysuru event is the plan to prevent the huge amount of water used for the track from going to waste.
Organisers are working on a system to reuse the water after the competition. The plan is to supply water to nurseries operated by Mysuru City Corporation, Zilla Panchayat and Forest Department.
It is intended to ensure that the large-scale sporting event remains mindful of water conservation while bringing the traditional coastal sport to Mysuru.
Gallery and Buffalo Accommodation Arrangements
We have also made arrangements for spectators to be able to see it. We are also putting up a large gallery for the Kambala races.
Separate facilities are being made for the buffaloes coming from coastal Karnataka, so that the animals can be housed well during the event.
A meeting with buffalo owners is expected to take place soon to make additional arrangements and to get their suggestions before the competition.
Coastal Tradition Meets Mysuru Dasara
Kambala has deep cultural roots in coastal Karnataka and has traditionally been associated with rural communities and agricultural celebrations. Bringing the sport to Mysuru Dasara is expected to bring together coastal folk culture with the grand traditions of the Dasara festival.
The event could be one of the key attractions of the celebrations for Mysuru residents and tourists. There will be trained buffaloes racing through a well-prepared muddy course for the audience to enjoy.
With the 25-acre venue already taking shape and preparations moving ahead for Kambala and Dasara visitors, the excitement is growing.
The October 18-19 competition will therefore add a coastal flavour to the grand Mysuru Dasara celebrations and give visitors a chance to see one of Karnataka’s most celebrated traditional sporting spectacles.
