Special Dasara attraction: Mysuru likely to host Kambala on October 18 and 19
A two-day Kambala, the traditional slush-track buffalo race, is tentatively scheduled to be held in Mysuru on October 18 and 19 as a special attraction
A two-day Kambala, the traditional slush-track buffalo race, is tentatively scheduled to be held in Mysuru on October 18 and 19 as a special attraction during this year’s Dasara celebrations. Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who has been entrusted by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar with organising the event in Mysuru, inspected two potential venues in the city on Friday. Accompanied by senior officials from the Police Department and the Department of Kannada and Culture, Mr. Rai visited vacant land near Premier Studio on Hunsur Road and another site near the regional office of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Sathagalli.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Mr. Rai, who had also convened the Kambala held in Bengaluru two years ago, said the Sathagalli site appeared more suitable. “The Sathagalli site is more spacious and has parking capacity for around 3,000 to 4,000 cars. It is also close to the Yuva Dasara venue and offers better access and exit for vehicular traffic,” he said. However, he said the final venue would be decided after consultations with the Chief Minister. Rai said October 18 and 19, had been tentatively identified for the event. About 20 acres would be required for the Kambala track and related facilities, besides another 10 acres for parking.
Stalls serving delicacies from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts will also be set up at the venue, he added. Discussions on constructing spectator galleries and other infrastructure will be held with the Mysuru district administration. The event will be conducted during both the day and night over two days, enabling visitors to Dasara to watch the races with their families, he said. Responding to queries, Mr. Rai said around 150 to 200 pairs of buffaloes are expected to participate. The animals will arrive from the coastal districts a day in advance and halt at Madikeri before proceeding to Mysuru.
The event is expected to cost between ₹5 crore and ₹8 crore, and the State government is likely to earmark a special budget for it, he said. Recalling the Bengaluru Kambala, Mr. Rai said the event had cost around ₹12 crore and attracted an estimated 25 lakh to 30 lakh spectators. Deputy Commissioners of Police (Law and Order) Harsha Priyamvada and (Crime and Traffic) K.S. Sundar Raj, Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture M.D. Sudarshan, and other officials were present during the inspection.
The BriefWire