Row over inclusion of Kambala in Mysuru Dasara intensifies; protest on July 18
A coalition of farmers' organizations, Dalit groups, and environmentalists has announced a protest against the inclusion of the Kambala buffalo race in the Mysuru Dasara festival. Opponents argue the event threatens the cultural heritage of the festival and diverts attention from the needs of drought-affected farmers.
Why it matters
The dispute reflects a clash between traditional cultural preservation and the state government's efforts to expand festival programming.
The controversy over the State government’s proposal to include Kambala in this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations has intensified, with a coalition of farmers’ organisations, the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS), environmental groups, Kannada organisations and progressive forums announcing a protest meeting on July 18 (Saturday) against the move.
The protest will be held at 10 a.m. beside the VTU office on the Outer Ring Road at Sathagalli, where preparations for the proposed Kambala event are reportedly under way.
According to a release issued by Parashuramegowda, State general secretary of Parisarakkaagi Naavu, the demonstration seeks to oppose the inclusion of Kambala in Mysuru Dasara, arguing that the festival’s unique identity, heritage, grandeur and long-standing traditions must be preserved. The organisers have also urged the government to focus on the distress faced by farmers affected by inadequate rainfall instead of introducing new events.
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