Advance booking, entry fee…? All you need to know about Bengaluru Kambala

Team Udayavani, Nov 21, 2023, 5:23 PM IST

Manipal/Bengaluru:  Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, is all set to make its debut in Bengaluru at the Palace Grounds on November 25 and 26. Spearheaded by Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, this marks a significant moment for Bengaluru.

On November 23, over 150 pairs of Kambala buffaloes will journey from the coast to the capital. They will pause at Hassan before traversing Nelamangala to enter Bengaluru, accompanied by their attendants and masters.

‘No entry fees’

Regarding entry fees, Bangalore Carpet Committee Working President Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu clarified any confusion, stating emphatically that there will be no entry fee or advance ticket bookings required for spectators. The event is entirely open to all fans and onlookers.

“It has come to our notice that some are claiming that there is an entry fee for Bengaluru Kambala viewing, advance ticket booking is required. But this is far from the truth. Fans should not believe this. I would like to clarify that there is no ticket, no entry fee, whatsoever,  for Bengaluru Kambala. It will be completely open to all fans and spectators,” Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu told Udayavani.

Mark the dates

The Kambala Games will take place at Gate 5 of the expansive 70-acre Palace Grounds, commencing on November 25 at 10:30 am and continuing until the evening of November 26.

Organizers are anticipating a crowd of 500,000 to 800,000 attendees due to its debut in Silicon City, owing to the large numbers of coastal job seekers and enthusiasts who are expected to flock to the event. A 10,000-seat arrangement for VVIPs has been set up, alongside an opportunity for the general public to witness the event in the style reminiscent of the coastal rural areas.

The stage is set for a historic display of tradition and sport as Bengaluru embraces the time-honored Kambala in its vibrant cultural tapestry.