Mysuru: The two-day round-the-clock kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, concluded successfully as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, creating a vibrant coastal atmosphere in the eastern part of the city.Organised for the first time during Dasara despite initial opposition from some quarters, the overnight kambala received an overwhelming response from spectators and participants alike. Teams from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts travelled to Mysuru to take part in the event.Buffalo owners and jockeys said they were delighted to showcase the traditional sport beyond the coastal belt, contributing to the strong turnout. A 145-metre twin slush track (jodu kare), modelled on the traditional coastal format, was specially created for the event and functioned without major issues. This was only the second time kambala was organised outside the coastal region, after Bengaluru.Several teams arrived in Mysuru well in advance, as the journey from the coast took nearly 12 hours. Each team travelled with around 15 members to care for the buffaloes and manage logistics, including food preparation. Rohan Fernandez from Karkala said he was happy to bring his buffaloes, Max and Kutti, to Mysuru despite the exhausting journey. Though intermittent rain affected the ambience, the event concluded peacefully.Jockeys highlighted that kambala demands exceptional fitness, discipline and rigorous training, as participants face risks such as muscle injuries and fractures. Vishwanath Devadiga of Byndoor, who has been racing for a decade, said he competes each season as a jockey for at least three pairs of buffaloes and has won several medals.Praveen Kotian from Moodabidri, a jockey with 12 years of experience, said succeeding in kambala requires daily training, a strict diet and unwavering commitment. He added that race outcomes often depend on track conditions and the skill of the ottugara (barefoot runner). Around 150 jockeys and 150-160 pairs of top-tier buffaloes participated in the event.Organisers said buffalo owners typically spend Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per pair over five days on transport, fodder, food and remuneration for handlers.Beyond the sport itself, the event also introduced people to coastal cuisine. Popular dishes such as Tulunadu-style chicken kebab, kori rotti, idli, neer dosa, appam, marwai, pandi curry and chicken curry drew food lovers, while coastal fish varieties witnessed brisk sales.
