Kambala in Mysuru concluded after a two-day, round-the-clock buffalo race held as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, bringing teams, animals and support crews from coastal Karnataka to the eastern part of the city.
The event was organised during Dasara for the first time despite opposition from some quarters. Organisers said it drew a strong response from spectators and participants, with teams travelling from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to take part in the race.
A 145-metre twin slush track, known as a jodu kare, was specially created for the event and was modelled on the traditional coastal format. The track functioned without major issues, although intermittent rain affected the overall ambience. The event concluded peacefully.
Around 150 jockeys and 150 to 160 pairs of buffaloes participated in the competition. Several teams arrived in Mysuru well in advance because the journey from the coastal districts took nearly 12 hours. Each team travelled with about 15 people responsible for caring for the buffaloes and managing logistics, including food preparation.
The event was only the second time Kambala had been organised outside the coastal region, after Bengaluru. Buffalo owners and jockeys said the Mysuru event allowed them to present the traditional sport to audiences beyond its customary geographic base.
Rohan Fernandez from Karkala said he was pleased to bring his buffaloes, Max and Kutti, to Mysuru despite the demanding journey. Jockeys said participation requires physical fitness, discipline and rigorous preparation, with risks including muscle injuries and fractures.
Vishwanath Devadiga of Byndoor, who has raced for a decade, said he competes each season with at least three pairs of buffaloes and has won several medals. Praveen Kotian from Moodabidri, a jockey with 12 years of experience, said success depends on daily training, a strict diet and sustained commitment. He added that track conditions and the skill of the ottugara, or barefoot runner, can influence race outcomes.
The event also created a temporary food and hospitality ecosystem around the sporting programme. Coastal dishes including Tulunadu-style chicken kebab, kori rotti, idli, neer dosa, appam, marwai, pandi curry and chicken curry were served to visitors, while coastal fish varieties recorded strong sales.
Organisers said buffalo owners generally spend between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per pair over five days on transport, fodder, food and payments for handlers. The Mysuru event therefore combined a travelling sporting tradition with the logistical demands of accommodating animals, teams and spectators during one of the city’s largest annual celebrations.
