KambaLa is an annual Buffalo Race held traditionally under the auspices of Bunts or Patel of village, in regions of Coastal Karnataka (Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapur, KarkaLa, Puttur, BantwaL, BeLthangadi etc).
The 'track' used for KambaLa is a paddy field filled with slush and mud. The contest generally takes place between two pairs of buffaloes, controlled by a whip-lashing farmer.
In olden days, the winning pair of buffaloes was rewarded with coconuts and a bunch of plantains.
However, KambaLa today has become an organised, professional sport. People place massive bets on the buffaloes to win and one can witness more than 20,000 spectators in a well-organised KambaLa, egging on and cheering the buffaloes to complete the race.
The KambaLa season generally starts in November and lasts until March. As of now, more than 45 he-buffalo races are held annually in Coastal Karnataka.
However, KambaLa today has become an organised, professional sport. People place massive bets on the buffaloes to win and one can witness more than 20,000 spectators in a well-organised KambaLa, egging on and cheering the buffaloes to complete the race.
The KambaLa season generally starts in November and lasts until March. As of now, more than 45 he-buffalo races are held annually in Coastal Karnataka.
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