Bengaluru Kambala 2024 remains uncertain; Preparations yet to begin

Team Udayavani, Oct 18, 2024, 8:29 AM IST

Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Kambala event, scheduled for October 26 in Bengaluru, is now clouded with uncertainty. Last year’s Kambala, which was held with grandeur, is not likely to happen this year as planned. There are growing doubts about whether it will take place at all.

Organizing a Kambala in Bengaluru is no small feat. The application process needs to start three months in advance to secure permission for Palace Grounds. Apart from obtaining approvals from the Mysore Palace and the government, logistical arrangements like constructing race tracks and transporting the buffaloes from the coastal regions to Bengaluru must be made. Despite last year’s success, being the debut of Kambala in the city, the enthusiasm seems to have waned this year, raising concerns that the tradition is already coming to an end after just one year.

Sources indicate that Kambala may not happen in Bengaluru this season. However, discussions are ongoing about whether the event could be pushed to March next year if the Kambala committee and buffalo owners agree. The Bengaluru committee has reportedly applied for Palace Grounds’ permission, and talks are underway.

Limited Participation of Buffaloes

Vijay Kumar Kanginamane, a coordinator of the Kambala judges’ committee, told Udayavani that transporting all 157 buffaloes from the district is not an easy task. He suggested that selecting only 65 buffaloes to transport outside the district would make the process more manageable, which could allow Kambala to be organized in other places too. If not, conducting the event will be challenging.

Unlikely to Happen in Bengaluru

“The Kambala committee had set a date for Bengaluru Kambala, but no preparations have been made. Hence, it is unlikely that Kambala will take place in the city this year. Instead, preparations are being made for Kambala in Shivamogga, which is scheduled for February,” said Belapu Devisprasad Shetty, President of District Kambala Committee.

Discussions ongoing

Ashok Kumar Rai, MLA and President of the Bengaluru Kambala Committee, explained that although a date for Bengaluru Kambala was announced, no final decision was made. “We were waiting for interested parties to step forward, but no one did. Currently, it is not possible to hold the event. However, we are still in talks with the Kambala committee and buffalo owners to explore the possibility of organizing it in February or March,” he said.