Drinking water for buffaloes to be brought from coastal region to prevent infections
Mysuru: Preparations for the first-ever Mysuru Dasara Kambala, scheduled for Oct. 18 and 19, are progressing at a brisk pace at Sathagalli, with the race tracks and other infrastructure taking shape.
Coastal Karnataka’s traditional buffalo race is being organised as part of Mysuru Dasara celebrations for the first time. The event will be held adjacent to the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Regional Centre along the Outer Ring Road.
A portion of the 17 acres and 35 guntas of Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) land spread across Survey Nos. 85, 88, 106 and 107, currently handed over to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, is being used for the twin tracks, spectator gallery, food courts, sanitation and parking facilities.
The ground is being cleared of shrubs and vegetation, while the uneven terrain, including fields and bunds, is being levelled. A trial run involving five to six pairs of buffaloes is proposed on Sept. 20 or 21 to assess the condition of the track, its surface and boundaries before the main event.
Two parallel tracks are being constructed for the buffalo races. Given the large quantity of water required to prepare the slush track, borewells have been drilled at the venue and pipelines have been laid for irrigation.
A huge tank being built to store water at Kambala venue.
Soil-sand mixed tracks
The Kambala ‘kare’ (buffalo race track) is being prepared using a mixture of soil and sand, which will be blended with water to create the slush required for the race. Care is being taken to ensure that stones and other hard material do not remain on the track, as they could injure the buffaloes.
Cement-brick barricades, about three feet high and extending nearly 150 metres, are being constructed on either side and in the centre of the racing area. The space between the barricades, measuring about six metres in width, will be converted into the slush track.
Workers from the coastal region have been brought in for the track work, which is expected to be completed before the Dasara inauguration.
The areas from where the buffaloes will be released are also being marked, while barricades are being erected along the tracks to regulate the races and ensure the safety of the animals and spectators.
Around 130 pairs of racing buffaloes have registered for the two-day event, which will be conducted continuously during the day and night.
Drinking water from Dakshina Kannada
Participating teams will bring drinking water for their buffaloes from coastal Karnataka. The water will be transported in 200-litre drums in their tempos instead of using tankers from Mysuru or other water sources.
Organisers said the arrangement was being made keeping in mind the health of the animals and to minimise the risk of infections. Each buffalo is estimated to consume around 25 litres of water per feeding.
Comfortable temperature
Organisers also pointed out that Mysuru’s comparatively moderate temperatures of around 32°C to 34°C would be more comfortable for the coastal buffaloes, which are accustomed to temperatures of around 40°C to 42°C. The cooler conditions are expected to reduce thermal stress on the animals during the races.
Arrangements are being made to accommodate between 6,000 and 8,000 spectators at the venue. Entry will be open to the public and no passes will be required.
With the track, barricades, water supply and other logistical arrangements being put in place, organisers are working to complete the venue well ahead of the inaugural Dasara Kambala.
This post was published on September 16, 2026 7:30 pm