Row over inclusion of Kambala in Mysuru Dasara intensifies; protest on July 18

Published 16 July 2026 · politics

The controversy over the State government’s proposal to include Kambala in this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations has intensified, with a coalition of farmers’ organisations, the

The controversy over the State government’s proposal to include Kambala in this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations has intensified, with a coalition of farmers’ organisations, the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS), environmental groups, Kannada organisations and progressive forums announcing a protest meeting on July 18 (Saturday) against the move. The protest will be held at 10 a.m. beside the VTU office on the Outer Ring Road at Sathagalli, where preparations for the proposed Kambala event are reportedly under way. According to a release issued by Parashuramegowda, State general secretary of Parisarakkaagi Naavu, the demonstration seeks to oppose the inclusion of Kambala in Mysuru Dasara, arguing that the festival’s unique identity, heritage, grandeur and long-standing traditions must be preserved.

The organisers have also urged the government to focus on the distress faced by farmers affected by inadequate rainfall instead of introducing new events. Several personalities, including former MLA and State president of Parisarakkaagi Naavu A.T. Ramaswamy, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha State president Badagalapura Nagendra, retired Major General and environmental activist Sudhir Vombatkere, heritage expert N.S. Rangaraju, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti leader Bettayya Kote, Bhoomi Thayi Horata Samiti leader K.S. Nanjundegowda, Ramakrishna of the Belaval Foundation, and others, are expected to participate in the protest. The organisers have appealed to citizens committed to preserving the distinct cultural identity and legacy of Mysuru Dasara, as well as those concerned about the plight of drought-hit farmers, including women, youth and students, to participate in the protest.

The announcement comes amid a growing debate over the proposed Kambala event. While several organisations and political leaders have opposed its inclusion in Dasara, a section of Congress leaders and some non-political groups have expressed support for the government’s move and urged it to proceed with the event. Meanwhile, preparations for the proposed

Kambala are reportedly progressing at the identified site near Sathagalli. The State government has so far remained silent on the controversy despite appeals from Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and senior BJP leaders, including State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, urging it to drop the event to preserve the traditional identity of Mysuru Dasara.