Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sept 27: Preparations are in full swing for the Kambala event to be held as part of Mysuru Dasara on October 18 and 19, with 160 pairs of buffaloes set to travel from coastal Karnataka to Mysuru.

The buffaloes participating in the traditional coastal sport will leave from the Puttur Mahalingeshwara Temple premises at 10.30 am on October 16. They will halt at Madikeri en route and are expected to reach Mysuru the same night.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai said October 17 has been reserved as a rest day for the animals, with the competitions beginning on October 18. The prize distribution ceremony will be held on October 19.

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A 147-metre Kambala track is being prepared at the venue, while a trial run involving around five pairs of buffaloes is scheduled for October 10.

Seating arrangements are being made for around 15,000 spectators. Free passes will be issued in three time slots to enable more people to watch the event, while an additional 5,000 spectators will be accommodated without passes.

Rai said around 25 lac people are expected to witness the event during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.

The state government will provide Rs 65,000 for each senior-category buffalo pair and Rs 50,000 for each junior-category pair. Rai said a proposal to increase the remuneration will be discussed with Mysuru district authorities and the Dasara committee.

In the senior category, winners will receive 16 grams of gold, while runners-up will get 8 grams of gold. Buffalo owners have also requested gold medals for competitors finishing in third and fourth places.

The event will also feature Coastal Karnataka cuisine, with food stalls spread across nearly five acres.

Karnataka State Kambala Association president Aikalabava Deviprasad Shetty and others were present.