Mysuru: Coastal Karnataka’s traditional buffalo race, Kambala, made its debut at the state’s iconic Mysuru Dasara celebrations, bringing the region’s distinctive folk culture and sporting heritage to the festival platform for the first time.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar inaugurated the event and paid floral tributes to images of Goddess Chamundeshwari and Veera Gangadhara Ajjayya.
Speaking on the occasion, Shivakumar said Kambala reflected the essence of coastal Karnataka’s soil, its rich folk culture and traditions nurtured over generations.
He said initiatives that preserve the state’s diverse cultural practices and pass them on to future generations demonstrated Karnataka’s cultural richness.
Hosting Kambala as part of Mysuru Dasara has provided the traditional coastal sport with a wider platform, helping introduce the region’s folk traditions and sporting heritage to audiences across the state.
Several ministers, legislators and public representatives attended the event. Those present included Ministers Puttarangashetty and N. Chaluvarayaswamy; MLAs G.T. Devegowda, Tanveer Sait, K. Harish Gowda and Ashok Rai; former MLA Narendra Babu; and State Kambala Committee president Devi Prasad Shetty.
Narendra, chairman of the Ambedkar Development Corporation, and Ramappa, chairman of the Bovi Corporation, were also among the dignitaries present.