What is Kambala
A pair of buffaloes are tied to the plough and one person anchors it, beating the buffaloes with a stick to run faster. There are two parallel muddy tracks, on which two competing pairs of buffaloes run. Fastest team wins.
When, where and how of Kambala
Where: Coastal region of Karnataka (Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts and bordering area of Kerala).
Season: This annual event starts in November and lasts till March every year. This age-old festival is organized on a large scale and a huge crowd gathers to participate in the celebrations.
Belief: According to one belief, Kambala is a festival that originated in the farming community of Karnataka around 800 years back. The festival is dedicated to Kadri's Lord Manjunatha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be celebrated to please the Gods for a good harvest. It is a form of recreational sport for the farming community and also another belief is that it is considered as the Sport of the royal (landlord) Family.
Season: This annual event starts in November and lasts till March every year. This age-old festival is organized on a large scale and a huge crowd gathers to participate in the celebrations.
Belief: According to one belief, Kambala is a festival that originated in the farming community of Karnataka around 800 years back. The festival is dedicated to Kadri's Lord Manjunatha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. It is believed to be celebrated to please the Gods for a good harvest. It is a form of recreational sport for the farming community and also another belief is that it is considered as the Sport of the royal (landlord) Family.
Prize: Earlier, winner of the buffalo used to be rewarded with a coconut. Now, gold medals and trophies are also given.
Speed: Buffalloes are not really speedy runners. But in Kambala, they are made to run as fast as 100 metres in 12 seconds.
Speed: Buffalloes are not really speedy runners. But in Kambala, they are made to run as fast as 100 metres in 12 seconds.
Main areas where Kambala is held
Mangalore is one of the places where Kambala is celebrated in a big manner.
Apart from the kings, the
kambala festival was also patronised by the famous households/landlords in Mangalore.
Other main areas of Kambala sport are: Manjeshwara, Bajagoli, Baradi Beedu, Bolantur, Kolatta Majalu, Puttur, Uppinagadi, Kakyapadavu etc.
Apart from the kings, the
kambala festival was also patronised by the famous households/landlords in Mangalore.
Other main areas of Kambala sport are: Manjeshwara, Bajagoli, Baradi Beedu, Bolantur, Kolatta Majalu, Puttur, Uppinagadi, Kakyapadavu etc.
Categories
Hagga: A rope is tied to the buffaloes
Adda Halage - Horizontal wooden plank tied to buffaloes and the farmer stands over it during the race.
Kane Halage: Rounded wooden plank is tied to buffaloes. Farmer stands on the wooden block on one leg. It has two holes through which water gushes out while running. Height of the muddy water splashed will determine the winner. More the speed, more the height. This is the ultimate part of Kambala and most experienced buffaloes and runners take part.
Adda Halage - Horizontal wooden plank tied to buffaloes and the farmer stands over it during the race.
Kane Halage: Rounded wooden plank is tied to buffaloes. Farmer stands on the wooden block on one leg. It has two holes through which water gushes out while running. Height of the muddy water splashed will determine the winner. More the speed, more the height. This is the ultimate part of Kambala and most experienced buffaloes and runners take part.
Care for the buffaloes
As this sport tests the speed and swiftness of the buffaloes, they are well-fed and cared for throughout the year. Some owners of the buffaloes also build separate swimming pools for the buffaloes that compete in the races.
Safety
Accidents do occur sometimes during the race, buffalloes may skid or topple, the farmer who runs along with them also may fall and get hurt, sometimes with serious injuries. Ambulance will be kept ready nearby too.
What is the controversy?
This age-old tradition of buffalo race is a cause of concern for animal lovers and animal activists. The celebration of Kambala was stopped in Karnataka based on an order of Supreme Court, dated 7th May, 2014. This order was actually meant for the violent game of jallikkatu, a bull taming sport in Tamil Nadu. The order did not mention Kambala.
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