Kambala- Festival of Tulunadu

KAMBALA

                           In the state of Karnataka, in southwest India, a buffalo race known as Kambala is held every year. Local Tuluva landlords and residents of the coastal regions of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod in Karnataka and Kerala, collectively known as Tulu Nadu, traditionally sponsor it. For villagers, Kambala is a wonderful sporting and entertainment event. Tourists and photographers also enjoy it much. (https://amzn.to/3Qh4PC1)

Kambala Environment-

·         Race Track:-

                   Kambala is done on two parallel race tracks that are both covered in slushy water.

·         Buffaloes:-

                   The farmers and buffalo owners in the coastal area take excellent care of their animals, feeding, oiling, and preparing the best of them for a race in Kambala. During a Kambala buffalo race, buffaloes are typically raced in pairs and kept together with ropes and ploughs. The fastest Kambala Buffaloes can sprint 140 meters in under 12 seconds. In order to prevent the harm, torture, or mistreatment of Kambala buffaloes, the Honorable Supreme Court of India has issued a number of directives.

·         The Rider:-

                   The person leading the buffaloes and competing with them is known as the jockey or Kambala runner. Large beasts can only be controlled by the most athletic youth. The runner balances on a halage, a wooden board supported by the arrangement holding two buffaloes together (called Negilu). With the aid of a whip or ropes, the Kambala runner manages the buffaloes. While running, the viewers are also impressed by the runner's high-flying water splashes. Similar to how auto races feature race vehicles and their crew, the Kambala site will be home to hundreds of buffaloes and their caretakers.

·         The Race:-

                  On two parallel race courses, two teams of buffalo and their jockeys compete for first place. The race continues all day, and the winners move to the next rounds. Prizes are awarded for launching water high into the air till a target is set above in addition to crossing the finish line first (known as kolu).

·         Season:

                Kambala celebrations start after the paddy harvest, which is typically in October. Between November and March, Kambala celebrations take place throughout Tulunadu (Tulu-speaking areas in South Canara districts).

              For the farmers in the coastal Karnataka region, the Kambala festival has grown into a significant celebration. Today, the festival has developed into an extremely popular yearly festival that draws crowds from near and far who gather to see this exceptional performance of speed and balance. Nowadays, the buffalo races are properly organized. The buffaloes are prepared for the event all year along with training. An audience of about 20,000 spectators and 130 to 140 pairs of buffalo take part in a well-run Kambala. The Times of India said that more than 45 Kambalas take place each year.