Event draws flak over Rs. 10 crore cost, environmental concerns; groups warn of agitation
Mysuru: Several environmental organisations and farmers’ unions have warned of intensified protests if the State Government does not withdraw its decision to host Kambala during the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations within a week.
Addressing a press conference at Pathrakarthara Bhavan recently, Parashuramegowda, General Secretary of Parisarakkaagi Naavu, said Kambala is a traditional coastal sport with deep cultural and religious significance.
He said the muddy buffalo race originated around 800 years ago in Tulu Nadu (Dakshina Kannada), where farmers began organising it after the paddy harvest as an offering of gratitude to local deities. Over the centuries, the ritual evolved into the present-day Kambala tradition.
“Kambala is conducted with religious observance and strict discipline. Organising it as part of Dasara merely for economic reasons is inappropriate. It is not suited to Mysuru’s local environment and preparing a venue for it would be wasteful. It would also result in misuse of public funds,” he alleged.
Badagalapura Nagendra, State President of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, said there was broad consensus among farmers and environmental groups that Kambala should not be included in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
“We will wait for a week. If the Government does not reconsider its decision, we will launch a large-scale agitation,” he warned.
Heritage expert Prof. N.S. Rangaraju said the Dasara celebrations already cost the government around Rs. 50 crore and that organising Kambala would require an additional Rs. 10 crore.
“This amounts to squandering taxpayers’ money. If the Government wants to promote Kambala, it should be included in Dasara celebrations in coastal regions such as Mangaluru or Karkala, where the tradition belongs. We would be happy to travel there to watch it,” he said.
Environmental activist Bhanu Mohan alleged that trees had been felled near VTU in Sathagalli to prepare the site for Kambala. “Although an FIR has been registered against three persons, no action has been taken so far. This is disappointing,” she said.
M.G. Sadanandaiah of Sharana Sahitya Parishat said Dasara had already become overcrowded with numerous events and adding Kambala would dilute its rich and traditional identity.
“Introducing Kambala at this stage is an ill-conceived decision. It will tarnish the Government’s image. The authorities must reconsider the move,” he urged.
Activists Bettaiah Kote and Mansoor Ahmed also attended the press conference.
This post was published on July 11, 2026 7:30 pm