Bengaluru, July 11 (IANS) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday opposed the Karnataka government’s proposal to include Kambala in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, saying there was no need to alter the traditional character of the world-famous festival.
Kambala is a traditional buffalo race festival native to the coastal region of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka.
In a statement, Kumaraswamy said Mysuru Dasara has evolved over the years with its own distinct identity and heritage, and any attempt to change its traditional format should be avoided.
“There is no need to include Kambala in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, which have long been known for their unique traditions and grandeur. There should be no attempt to disturb the established traditions of Dasara,” he said.
Describing Kambala as an integral part of the cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka, Kumaraswamy said the traditional buffalo race is deeply rooted in the customs, beliefs and geography of the region.
“Kambala is a symbol of the cultural richness and faith of the coastal region. It is a tradition intrinsically linked to the geography and way of life of this region. Bringing it to Mysuru would dilute the sanctity and divine heritage associated with both traditions, and that cannot be accepted,” he said.
The Union Minister further said the true essence of Kambala lies in the natural surroundings of coastal Karnataka. “The coastal region is blessed with lush greenery and abunt water. Watching Kambala in that natural setting is a unique and fulfilling experience. There is no need to hurt the sentiments of either the people of Mysuru or those of the coastal region by shifting the event elsewhere,” Kumaraswamy added.
His remarks come amid an ongoing debate over the Karnataka government’s proposal to introduce Kambala as one of the attractions during the 2026 Mysuru Dasara celebrations, a move that has drawn opposition from the Mysuru royal family, heritage experts and several organisations.
The Karnataka government’s proposal to organise the traditional coastal sport Kambala during the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations has sparked a controversy, setting the stage for a confrontation between the state government and the Mysuru royal family.
While Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has indicated that the government is considering new cultural programmes as part of the festival, the royal family, BJP leaders and several civil society groups have opposed the move, arguing that it would alter the unique traditions of Mysuru Dasara.
The state government has announced that Nada Habba Dasara-2026 will be celebrated on a grand scale over 11 days despite drought conditions in the state. The proposed inclusion of Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka that gained nationwide popularity following the success of the “Kantara Chapter – 1” film, has, however, drawn sharp criticism.
Reacting to the proposal on Saturday, Mysuru royal scion and BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said he had categorically opposed the idea during the high-power committee meeting.
“I have clearly said ‘no’ to Kambala in the meeting. Dasara has its own cultural background, while Kambala has a different tradition. The sentiments of the people of Mysuru are clear. Organising Kambala during Dasara would amount to going against the wishes of the people of Mysuru,” Yaduveer said.
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(Written with inputs from IANS)
