Kambala is one of the traditions of Coastal Karnataka and also a crowd entertainer. The “track” used for Kambala is a slushy paddy field. The Kambala runner usually race with a pair of buffaloes. The buffaloes are specifically groomed for the race. They are carefully fed and some owners have even built separate swimming pools for the competing buffaloes. Kambala is held traditionally under the sponsorship of local Tuluva landlords and households in the Coastal district. The Kambala season generally starts in November and lasts till March.
Kambala is held in different places of Dakshina Kannada like Kadri, Pilikula, Puttur, Vandur, Kundapura, Venur Permude, Katapadi Beedu, Uppinangadi, Thalapady Panjala, Mulki Seeme, Bangadi Kolli and Aikala Bava.
Till the past several months, the animal lovers had brought a stay on the conduction of Kambala criticising the use of whips on the racing buffaloes and citing various types of ill-treatment. Hence, the government officials have ordered the riders to be gentle on buffaloes and avoid using whips during the race.
Aggressive protests were held with nearly 50000 Tuluvas joining hands to vacate the stay on Kambala in Coastal Karnataka. Finally sometime ago, the then president Pranab Mukherjee approved the promulgation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, legalising the “Kambala” sport. Now, Kambala is legalised in Karnataka.
And for this weekend with NK Tv, we have special guest and Kambala Bolli, Kedubari Guruvappa Poojary. He is one of the ardent Kambala lovers and an achiever in Kambala sport. Though 70, Guruppa looks very young and says, “age is just a number.’’ His day starts with care and treatment for buffaloes. To know more about him watch NK Tv Special Episode with Gurupura Kedubari Guruvappa Poojary.
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