Kambala will be held as part of Mysuru Dasara on October 18-19
The traditional buffalo race, Kambala, will be held as part of the Mysuru Dasara festival on October 18-19. Organizers expect 160 pairs of buffaloes to compete in the event, which aims to promote the cultural sport on a global stage.
Why it matters
The expansion of Kambala outside its traditional home of Dakshina Kannada reflects efforts to preserve and popularize regional cultural heritage.
Kambala, the popular traditional sport involving race of buffaloes in slushy field, will be featured in this year’s Mysuru Dasara on October 18 and October 19 .
Talking to reporters in Mangaluru on Friday (September 25, 2026) after holding meeting with representatives of owners of buffaloes taking part in the Kambala in Mysuru Dasara, Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said the race will be held at the newly created 147-meter ‘Kare’ (slushy field) near the VTU College campus in Mysuru. The Kare will be named as ‘Vijaya Dashami’.
Nearly 160 pairs of junior and senior pairs of buffaloes, selected by the Mysuru Dasara Kambala organising committee, will take part in the Kambala that starts on October 18. The events will go on till October 19 afternoon when prizes will be distributed. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will witness the Kambala on either of the two days.
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