120 buffalo pairs expected for 48-hour floodlit event 

Mysuru: Kambala, the traditional buffalo racing sport of coastal Karnataka, is set to make its debut at the world-famous Mysuru Dasara this year, with the District Administration estimating the cost of hosting the two-day event at  around Rs. 7 crore. 

The event is proposed to be conducted in 16 rounds on two parallel tracks. Each track will measure 250 metres in length and 50 metres in width, with the racing stretch fixed at 140 metres.  

Races will be held between two pairs of buffaloes at a time and are planned to continue round-the-clock for 48 hours under floodlights. 

Spectator galleries will be constructed around the venue, though the seating capacity is yet to be finalised. 

The preparations follow a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy last week, after which the administration initiated plans to bring the traditional coastal sport to Mysuru as part of the Dasara celebrations.Two sites identified  

After inspecting multiple locations, officials have shortlisted two sites for the Kambala arena: A 15-acre area near Aishwarya Petrol Bunk on Mysuru-Hunsur Road in Vijayanagar and a 23-acre site near the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Regional Centre at Sathagalli. 

Sources said the Sathagalli site is currently the frontrunner because of its larger area and suitability for constructing slush tracks, accommodating buffaloes and managing large crowds. A final decision on the venue is expected by the end of this week. 

Race between 100 and 120 pairs 

The administration has already begun coordinating with Kambala organisers and teams from coastal Karnataka. 

Mysuru Kambala Managing Committee Working President Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu told Star of Mysore that between 100 and 120 pairs of racing buffaloes are expected to participate, with teams likely to arrive from traditional Kambala centres such as Mangaluru, Udupi, Puttur, Karkala, Moodbidri and Sullia. 

While Dasara festivities are scheduled to commence from Oct. 11, the Kambala event is likely to be held two days after the inauguration. Officials said the identified land must be handed over to the organising committee at least three months in advance to facilitate the construction of the tracks and the preparation of the slush surface. 

A second review meeting is scheduled next week, during which the venue is expected to be finalised and track construction works initiated. 

Food and accommodation 

Officials said each participating buffalo pair will be paid Rs. 50,000 towards transportation and related expenses. More than 30 members are expected to accompany each team and arrangements for their accommodation and food will have to be made by the District Administration. 

In addition to the races, cultural programmes showcasing the traditions of coastal Karnataka will be organised. Cultural troupes associated with Kambala teams are expected to arrive in Mysuru ahead of the event and stage performances during the festival. 

Officials drew parallels with the inaugural Bengaluru Kambala held at Palace Grounds in 2023, which featured 159 pairs of buffaloes and attracted large crowds. They expressed confidence that the Mysuru edition would generate similar public interest. 

The Mysuru Kambala Managing Committee will be headed by Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who also served as President of the Bengaluru Kambala.  

Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu will serve as Working President and Vijay Kumar Kanginmane as Secretary. 

An official announcement on the Kambala venue, dates and event schedule is expected once the site selection process is completed.