Bengaluru Braces For Thrill-Filled Kambala Buffalo Race: 160 Pairs To Compete, Free Entry For All

Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, is all set to make its debut in Bengaluru at the Palace Grounds on November 25 and 26. Spearheaded by Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, this marks a significant cultural milestone for Bengaluru.

160 pairs of buffaloes expected to participate

On November 23, more than 160 pairs of buffaloes from the coastal belt will embark on their journey from from Uppinangady in Dakshina Kannada on November 23 at about 9.30 a.m to Bengaluru. They'll make a stop at Hassan before passing through Nelamangala to enter Bengaluru, accompanied by their attendants and handlers.

Free Entry for Spectators

Muralidhar Rai Matanthabettu, the Working President of the Bangalore Carpet Committee, made it clear that there will be no entry fees or advanced ticket bookings required for spectators. The event welcomes all fans and curious onlookers without any charge.

Venue and Schedule

The Kambala Games are slated to occur at Gate 5 within the vast 70-acre Palace Grounds, starting from 10:30 am on November 25 and continuing until the evening of November 26.

With its debut in the Silicon City, organizers are expecting a massive turnout of 500,000 to 800,000 attendees, anticipating the influx of coastal job seekers and enthusiasts. A dedicated seating arrangement of 10,000 seats for VVIPs has been arranged, offering the general public an opportunity to witness the event in a setting reminiscent of the rural coastal areas.

Guest List

As per the guest list, the organisers had invited Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Singh on November 26 for the felicitation ceremony of the wrestlers. Hours after facing heavy backlash from several quarters, Singh who is accused of sexual harassment, his name was dropped. Among the remaining names on the guest list for the event are Sandalwood star Darshan Thoogudeepa, BJP leader Aravind Limbavali, and several others.

The Kambala festival, primarily observed in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district each year, features the famed traditional buffalo race, a beloved and distinctive sport within the state's farming community.

The morning segment of the Bengaluru Kambala event is scheduled for inauguration by former Chief Minister and BJP leader B S Yediyurappa on November 25. Following this, the evening session will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.