Mysuru: Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar on Tuesday opposed the state govt’s plan to host kambala as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. He urged the state govt and the district administration to focus on strengthening the Dasara festival before introducing kambala to Mysuru. He also cautioned that detaching a unique tradition like kambala from the geographical and cultural context in which it evolved could undermine its intrinsic sanctity.Responding to a TOI report on the opposition to the proposed inclusion of kambala in the 2026 Dasara celebrations, Yaduveer said the ongoing debate warranted serious reflection. He noted that kambala is a centuries-old sacred tradition deeply rooted in the soil, culture and way of life of coastal Karnataka.“It carries profound cultural, religious and traditional significance and should not be viewed merely through the lens of commercialisation or entertainment, as doing so would diminish its dignity. Detaching such a unique practice from the geographical and cultural context in which it evolved could undermine its intrinsic sanctity,” he stated.At the same time, he said the immediate and collective focus should be on strengthening the core identity of the Mysuru Dasara festival. According to him, the celebrations continue to face administrative shortcomings, infrastructure gaps and organisational challenges.“The govt and the Dasara high-level committee should prioritise addressing these internal issues before considering the inclusion of new attractions or events in the festival,” said Yaduveer, a member of the Mysuru royal family.Meanwhile, city-based activists have decided to launch a campaign against the proposed kambala event. “At a time when the entire state is reeling under a severe drought, there is no justification for organising such events in the city. The govt should hold a simple, traditional Dasara as it did in 2023,” an activist said.He added that like-minded organisations would meet in the coming days to finalise their strategy.
