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| Kambama water Buffalo race of Kadi, KA visitmangalore.in |
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| Kambala,KA ndtv.com/india |
Above image: Buffalo race one Srinivasa Gowda in January 2020 ran 142.5 meters in 13.62 seconds during the traditional buffalo race - Kambala - in a paddy field in Mangalore's Kadri,KA..........
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| Kambala Buffalo race Pilikula Nisargadhama image:HariPrsad Nadig upload.wikimedia.org |
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| Kambala race of Kadri,Mangalore, KA image:wildxlorer en.wikipedia.org |
Origins and Evolution
Kambala originated as a tribute to Kadri Manjunatha (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and to pray for the health of the livestock. Traditionally, it was a simple race held in slushy paddy fields after the first harvest. Over centuries, it evolved from a humble village ritual into a professional, highly competitive sport. While it was once primarily about the "slush track" (the word Kambala is derived from Kampa-kala, meaning a slushy field), it is now a major tourist attraction that draws international photographers and sports enthusiasts.
The race takes place on two parallel tracks, roughly 140 to 160 meters long, filled with thick mud and water. The stars of the show are the buffaloes—powerfully built, meticulously groomed, and trained year-round. They are raced in pairs, tethered together by a wooden yoke called a Negilu.
The Kambala Jockey is a figure of incredible athleticism. Standing on a small wooden plank (Halage) or running alongside the beasts, the jockey must maintain balance while sprinting at speeds that can cover the track in under 12 seconds. A famous example is Srinivasa Gowda, whose record-breaking sprint recently drew comparisons to Olympic sprinters, highlighting the sheer physical demand of the sport.
Types and Scoring
Kambala isn't just about speed; it's also about technique. There are different categories:
Negilu: The jockey holds the plough while running.
Hagga: The jockey races while holding only a rope.
Adda Halage: The jockey stands on a wooden plank.
Kane Halage: This is the most visual category, where the jockey stands on a plank that has holes. As they race, water is forced through the holes, creating a spectacular spray. Prizes are awarded based on the height reached by this water splash against a target markers called Kolu.
Cultural Significance
In November 2023 Kambala race was held for the first time in Bengaluru with 159 pairs of buffaloes and their jockeys racing through the specially made slush tracks in the city’s Palace Grounds. the event took place before thousand of spectators.Though banned by the Supreme Court, Karnataka government amended the legislation to allow the races to go on, considering its popularity and traditional significance.
Beyond the competition, Kambala is a social glue for the coastal community. It brings together farmers, artisans, and city-dwellers, transcending caste and creed. While the sport has faced legal scrutiny regarding animal welfare, the Supreme Court of India has provided strict guidelines to ensure the buffaloes are treated with dignity and care, preserving the tradition while evolving with modern ethics.
As the sun sets over the Tulu Nadu fields, the sight of powerful beasts charging through golden slush remains a testament to Karnataka’s enduring spirit—a celebration of strength, nature, and the soil.
https://visitmangalore.in/events
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kambala
https://karnatakatourism.org/en/experiences/kambala
K.N. Jayaraman
