Inclusion of Kambala in Mysuru Dasara 

Says the traditional event connected to Coastal Karnataka region cannot be viewed merely in entertainment or commercial point of view 

Mysuru: Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, who is also the Titular Head of erstwhile Mysore Royal Family, has urged to State Government to reconsider its plan to include Kambala in this year’s Dasara celebrations. 

Sharing a post on ‘X’ platform, Yaduveer said, “The ongoing discussions about incorporating kambala into the Mysuru Dasara festival demands reconsideration. Kambala is the most sacred tradition with centuries of history, deeply intertwined with the soil, culture and lives of the people of coastal Karnataka. It possesses its own profound traditional and religious values, and it should not be viewed merely through the lens of commercialisation or entertainment in a way that diminishes its dignity. Separating such a unique practice — limited to specific environmental and regional beliefs — from its native soil carries the risk of undermining its intrinsic sanctity. In this context, our immediate and collective attention must be directed towards further strengthening the original essence of Mysuru Dasara. The current organisation of the Dasara festival still faces numerous administrative shortcomings, infrastructural deficiencies and systemic challenges. The State Government and the Dasara High Power Committee must first accord greater priority to resolving these internal challenges.” 

Meanwhile, environmentalists in Mysuru have also questioned the need for organising Kambala during Mysuru Dasara celebrations. It may be noted Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, during his tenure as the Deputy Chief Minister, wanted to include Kambala during Dasara celebrations last year. However, it could not be held owing to technical and logistical issues.  

This year, the Kambala Committee Chairman and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who inspected the potential venues recently, finalised the 23-acre land belonging to Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) at Sathagalli on the Outer Ring Road, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) campus.  

He also announced that Kambala, the traditional buffalo races, would be held on Oct. 18 and 19.