Kambala convoy of 150 pairs to travel in AC trucks from Puttur on Oct. 17
Mysuru: The first two pairs of buffaloes participating in Dasara Kambala on Oct. 18 and 19 arrived at the venue on Outer Ring Road near the VTU Regional Centre at Sathagalli at around 11.30 pm yesterday, after travelling about 261-km from Dakshina Kannada.
They started from Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple at Puttur after performing traditional puja rituals and travelled via Madikeri.
Both pairs belong to Muchur Kalkude Kushala Lokesh Shetty of Muchur Kalkude village near Kateel and Nellitheertha, about 35-km from Mangaluru. The first pair comprises ‘Poli’, aged 6 and ‘Puttu’, aged 13, while the second pair, ‘Ranga’ and ‘Billa’, are both eight years old. Two more pairs of buffaloes are scheduled to arrive today. Traditional pujas were performed this morning for Kambala whip, family whip, yoke (noga) & ropes. Prayers were also offered for buffaloes before track activities began.
Each pair is accompanied by a team of six to 10 caretakers and a couple of riders from the coastal region. Trial runs involving the first two pairs will begin tomorrow after 11 am, following traditional ‘Kudi Puja’. The runs will help identify and rectify any uneven patches on the track.
The buffaloes are being given a nutritious diet, including dry fruits. Drinking water has also been brought in tankers from there. They are also massaged with a mixture of camphor and neem oil to keep mosquitoes at bay.
Preparations have entered the final stage, with work progressing on the twin tracks, named ‘Vijaya’ and ‘Dashami’, as well as spectator seating and other facilities.
Over 106 truckloads of sand have been brought from Dakshina Kannada to level the tracks. Traditional wooden levellers, similar to those used in paddy fields, have been employed to smooth the surface.
Seating galleries on either side of the tracks are readied to accommodate around 15,000 people, including VIPs. Waterproof German tents have been erected at the entry and exit points to house food stalls and help manage the crowds.
With Kambala being a new experience for many in Mysuru region, organisers expect considerable public interest.
A ‘Selfie point with the buffaloes’ is also planned. Organisers said, visitors would be familiarised with the close bond between the owners and their buffaloes.
This post was published on October 14, 2026 7:30 pm