‘Hagga Senior’, ‘Hagga Junior’, ‘Negilu Senior’,  ‘Negilu Junior’, ‘Kane Halage’  and ‘Adda Halage’

Mysuru: The Dasara Kambala races in Mysuru will be held in six categories, with 150 pairs of buffaloes competing on two parallel tracks named ‘Vijaya’ and ‘Dashami.’

The categories are ‘Hagga Senior’ (14 pairs), ‘Hagga Junior’ (20 pairs), ‘Negilu Senior’ (36 pairs), ‘Negilu Junior’ (56 pairs), ‘Kane Halage’ (12 pairs) and ‘Adda Halage’ (12 pairs).

In the ‘Negilu’ category, the runner holds a lightweight, plough-shaped wooden or metal frame attached to the buffalo pair. The implement is a representation of a plough rather than an actual one and the category is generally meant for junior or entry-level buffaloes.

In ‘Hagga’ races, a rope is tied directly to the buffalo pair. The runner keeps pace alongside the animals while holding the rope. This category is meant for senior buffaloes, which are generally faster and more experienced.

In ‘Adda Halage’, a horizontal wooden plank is tied to the buffalo pair, with the runner standing on it as the animals race through the muddy water.

In ‘Kane Halage’, the runner balances on one leg on a specially designed round wooden block. The block has two holes through which water is forced upwards as the buffaloes run.

The height of the water spray determines the performance, with markers such as ‘Aaru’ (six) ‘Kolu’ (stick) or ‘Yelu’ (seven) ‘Kolu’ used to indicate the height reached. A horizontal white flag is placed at the corresponding level to help spectators judge the result.

Sensor-based winner detection

The competitions will use digital technology to verify the identity of the participating buffaloes and determine race results. QR-coded digital tags and embedded microchips will be used to identify the animals before they enter the track.

Sensors installed along the track will detect whether a buffalo’s nose or hoof crosses the finish line first, helping determine the winner.