Bengaluru Palace grounds to host grand Kambala event on Nov 25 & 26

Team Udayavani, Nov 23, 2023, 11:24 AM IST

The stage is set for ‘Kambala,’ the buffalo race on mud track from coastal Karnataka, happening for the first time in Bengaluru on November 25 and 26 at the Palace Grounds, organisers of the event.

Along with ‘Kambala,’ the organisers have decided to recreate the entire coastal Karnataka ”culture” in the state capital during the event.

The Bengaluru Kambala Committee, led by Honorary President K. Prakash Shetty, announced the details in a press conference held at Goldfinch Hotel, Bengaluru.

The inauguration ceremony is slated for November 25 at 10:30 am, with the event concluding on November 26 at 7 pm. The ceremony will feature free entry for all attendees. The unique buffalo race track named Raja-Maharaja, the main stage named after Puneeth Rajkumar, and the cultural program stage named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar will be central to the event. Expecting around 3 lakh visitors, the Kambala viewing will also offer 180 stalls serving a variety of coastal cuisines.

Addressing the press, K. Prakash Shetty emphasized that the Kambala is non-partisan, organized by the committee with collaborative support from associations and organizations in Bangalore. The event will include cultural programs by renowned artists such as Arjun Janya and Gurukiran, showcasing various dance forms from the coastal areas, including captivating performances featuring tiger costumes.

MLA K.S. Ashok Kumar Rai highlighted the extensive arrangements for Kambala enthusiasts, with seating for 7,000 in the gallery and separate arrangements for general public, VIPs, and VVIPs. The event is expected to attract 8-10 lakh spectators over 50 hours. Additionally, special programs are planned for November 24 to commemorate the 50th year of Tulukuta Bangalore.

The inauguration on November 25 will see former Chief Minister BS Yeddiyurappa, Puneeth Rajkumar’s wife Ashwini, and other dignitaries kick-starting the event. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the program at 5 pm on the same day, with DyCM D.K. Shivakumar presiding over the occasion. The event will witness the participation of renowned personalities, including actors Anushka Shetty, Sudeep, Darshan, Shivrajkumar, and many more.

The Kambala committee has allocated prizes for the Kambala winners, with the first prize comprising 16 grams of gold and a cash reward of Rs. 1 lakh. Second prize consists of 8 grams of gold and Rs 50,000 cash. Third prize includes 4 grams of gold and Rs 25,000 cash.

The event, with a budget of Rs. 8 crore, is set to feature various cultural and entertainment programs alongside the traditional Kambala races.

As part of audience engagement, the Goldfinch organization will distribute gift coupons to attendees, offering them a chance to win prizes such as cars and bikes.  Approximately 200 Buffalos (Kona) have been selected out of 228 registered for the event.

MLA Ashok Rai clarified that the annual income for Kambala runners ranges from 6 to 7 lakh, emphasizing their commitment to hiring on a contract basis. The Kambala event is not merely about rewards; it symbolizes dignity, prestige, and respect for the participants.

The event is expected to leave a lasting impression, featuring exceptional arrangements, a record-breaking track, and a certificate of excellence.

The ceremony will witness the participation of political leaders, celebrities, and the general public, celebrating the rich cultural tradition of Kambala in a grand and inclusive manner.