Coastal buffaloes to begin journey to Mysuru via Madikeri from Oct. 14

Mysuru: Preparations for the traditional Kambala to be held as part of Dasara have entered the final phase, with the State Kambala Committee formally presenting the symbolic ‘Kambalada Betha’ (Kambala cane) to ZP CEO S. Ukesh Kumar, who is also the Chairman of the Dasara Kambala Sub-Committee.

A delegation of the State Kambala Committee, led by Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu, along with other members, reviewed the ongoing construction of the Kambala slush track yesterday.

The event will be held on MDA land at Sathagalli, near the VTU Regional Centre, which has been handed over to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES).

Parking and shelter arrangements

The delegation held detailed discussions with SP Mallikarjun Baladandi on parking arrangements for visitors, parking space for vehicles transporting buffaloes and designated areas for pitching tents to shelter the animals. The SP instructed officials to make adequate security arrangements and take necessary measures to avoid inconvenience to the public.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu said that as the buffaloes have to travel nearly 200 to 250 km from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to Mysuru, strict health measures would be followed.

Owners of more than 130 pairs of buffaloes have already confirmed their participation and the number is expected to rise to 150 pairs.

Buffalo journey

“The buffaloes are scheduled to start their journey on Oct. 15 and 16, with some owners from Karkala planning to leave as early as Oct. 14, as the two-day Dasara Kambala will be held on Oct. 18 and 19. They will travel from the coastal regions of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Karkala and Puttur towards Mysuru, with a mandatory rest stop on the outskirts of Madikeri for food, water and rest before continuing the journey,” he said.

Veterinary doctors will examine the animals and transportation will begin only after fitness certificates are issued. A scheduled rest break at Madikeri will provide the buffaloes with adequate food and water during the journey.

“Buffalo owners are being formally invited to the Dasara Kambala with a traditional ‘Harivana’ containing a copper plate, turmeric, vermilion (Kumkum), betel leaves, Mysuru peta and a shawl. It is a mark of respect for the owners,” Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu added.

A consultation meeting chaired by Ukesh Kumar was also held at the ZP Office to finalise preparations for the event.

Officials from the Kambala Sub-Committee and various departments participated in the meeting, including ZP Planning Officer Bheemappa K. Lali, PWD Executive Engineer Padmanabh, Nirmiti Kendra Assistant Director Mahesh Kumar, ZP Executive Engineer Maithri, and Animal Husbandry Department officials Dr. Nanjesh and Dr. Siddaraj.

State Kambala Committee Chairman and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai shared his inputs over the phone.