Mysuru Dasara’s first two-day overnight Kambala buffalo race concluded peacefully after drawing around 150 jockeys, 150 to 160 buffalo pairs and teams from coastal Karnataka to the eastern part of the city.
The traditional sport, usually associated with the coastal districts of Karnataka, was organised during Dasara despite initial opposition from some quarters. Organisers said the event received a strong response from spectators and participants, while buffalo owners and jockeys welcomed the opportunity to showcase Kambala outside the coastal belt.
Teams from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi travelled to Mysuru for the competition. Several arrived well in advance because the journey from the coast took nearly 12 hours. Each team travelled with about 15 members to look after the buffaloes and handle event-related logistics, including food preparation and animal care.
A 145-metre twin slush track, known as a jodu kare, was specially created for the race. The track was modelled on the traditional coastal format and functioned without major issues, according to the report. Mysuru’s event was only the second time Kambala had been organised outside the coastal region, after Bengaluru.
Rohan Fernandez from Karkala said he was pleased to bring his buffaloes, Max and Kutti, to Mysuru despite the exhausting journey. The participation of teams from the coastal districts also brought coastal food and cultural activity to the Dasara programme, with dishes including Tulunadu-style chicken kebab, kori rotti, idli, neer dosa, appam, marwai, pandi curry and chicken curry available at the venue. Coastal fish varieties also recorded brisk sales.
The event placed significant logistical demands on participating teams. 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 expenditure reflects the scale of moving animals, support staff and equipment between the coastal districts and Mysuru for a competition lasting two days and one night.
Jockeys said Kambala requires physical fitness, discipline and sustained training. Participants face risks including muscle injuries and fractures, while race outcomes can depend on track conditions and the skill of the ottugara, the barefoot runner who drives the buffaloes.
Vishwanath Devadiga of Byndoor, who has competed for a decade, said he races each season with at least three pairs of buffaloes and has won several medals. Praveen Kotian of Moodabidri, a jockey with 12 years of experience, said success requires daily training, a strict diet and consistent commitment.
Intermittent rain affected the atmosphere during the event, but the Kambala concluded without major disruption. The conclusion marked the completion of Mysuru’s first Dasara-linked overnight Kambala and its latest attempt to bring a major regional cultural and sporting event to audiences beyond coastal Karnataka.
