KAMBALA

#ashokasays Did you know 142 :
Kambala

The traditional Kambala is a non-competitive sport, where the buffaloes are made to run one after another through the fields of slush. However, the tradition evolved into a rural sport that pits buffalo teams against each other to race in what is one of the most rustic and spectacular settings in India. Both competitive and non-competetive Kambalas take place through the year and you can look through the official calendar and decide on what to witness. The race is a big event in this part of the country and more than big money is at stake; villagers consider it a mark of pride and prestige to have their buffaloes win.

There are multiple versions to the history of Kambala, while some believe that the kings of more than 1,000 years back started this tradition as a royal pastime, others believe that the farmer community started the tradition. The traditional Kambala festival was considered a thanksgiving gesture to the gods for a good harvest or rain. Some even say it is in thanks to the higher powers for protecting their animals against diseases. It was initially organised primarily by the kings and landlords in the various villages.

The Kambala is conducted in different part of Udupi, Mangalore and the surrounding region across different dates between November to March. So it is not one single event but many races and events the collectively forms the modern day Kambala.

Buffaloes are stars of the event, all eyes are on them! These buffaloes are specially trained and fed in preparation for the event. The seniority of the buffalo is based on its age. In fact, the winning team of buffaloes are pampered silly! Can you believe these buffaloes even receive special massages to help them cope with the aggressive demands of the sport. The runners are also trained and prepared for the event. They are paid well and star runners are much in demand.

In 2014, many animal activists protested (don't know if this is fortunate or unfortunate) against the Kambala buffalo race, condemning it as an act of cruelty against animals. The supreme court even sent out a ruling in November 2014 banning the race. However, recent news suggest that the Kambala Buffalo Race is set to take place in parts of Karnataka with stringent rules in place, including buffaloes without riders not being allowed to race and video cameras shooting the entire incident to ensure no harm is brought to the animal.

The essence of the festival is nicely summed in a popular quote on Kambala "Hold your breath. Silence rules the air as thousands watch in stunned anticipation! The man is crouching behind the buffaloes on a slive of wood attached to the animals. Not a muscle moves. Only the wind is playing on his lock of hair. For him the race is all that matters. Suddenly the scene explodes, the man springs up, his hand cocked, his whip held high and the huge animals lunge forward, bellowing, their hooves churning the muddy waters and sending their wet spray in the hot air, their eyes wide, wild and white - man and beast engaged in one spurt of activity and one aim - victory."