Mysuru: The state govt’s decision to hold a kambala event during Mysuru Dasara at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore to Rs 8 crore has drawn strong opposition from local residents and activists, particularly those concerned about animal cruelty and the preservation of Mysuru’s distinct cultural traditions.Critics argue that the govt is spending public money on an event that has no historical or cultural connection to Mysuru or the Dasara celebrations. They have also questioned the rationale behind introducing the traditional coastal sport into one of Karnataka’s most iconic festivals.It may be recalled that a committee headed by Puttur MLA Ashok Rai identified land near the VTU Regional Office in Satagalli to host the kambala for two days during Dasara. Rai had said that two tracks would be developed for the event and indicated that it is likely to be held on Oct 17 and 18.However, residents and activists have urged the govt to drop the proposal. A senior Congress functionary from Mysuru, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there is no connection between Dasara and kambala and that spending up to Rs 8 crore on the event would amount to a waste of public funds.“Dasara, which dates back to the Vijayanagara era, has its own sanctity. The celebrations reflect the culture, traditions and livelihoods of the people,” he said. “We are not against kambala, but organising it during Dasara is an unnecessary expenditure. Let us celebrate our own local culture, traditions and way of life during the festival.”Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) president Badagalapura Nagendra said the entire state is grappling with drought conditions due to El Niño. “In such a situation, we demand that Dasara be celebrated in a simple manner,” he said. “We will soon raise this issue with the state govt.”Karnataka State Backward Classes Awareness Forum convener KS Shivaramu said kambala represents an unequal social order and a history of oppression. “The tradition of Mysuru Dasara is very different. We do not want this event in Mysuru,” he said.PETA India Senior Policy and legal adviser Vikram Chandravanshi said Dasara celebrates the victory of good over evil, making it an inappropriate occasion for kambala. According to him, PETA India investigations have documented buffaloes used in the races being beaten, kicked, slapped, struck with sticks, pulled by painful nose ropes and forced to run under distress, sometimes resulting in injuries and collapse. He also raised concerns about public safety, stating that the event places large, frightened animals in crowded and noisy environments.
