History of Kambala festival, 800 years old game of farmers, Beat 2 Beat India

History of Kambala festival, 800 years old game of farmers, buffaloes running 'spices' in the paddy field

History of Kambala festival, 800 years old game of farmers

essence

  • The history of this game is more than 800 years old
  • The Kambala Race is held on two parallel racing tracks.
  • This festival is dedicated to Lord Kadri Manjunath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that the game of farmers

Kambala is traditionally known as the southern Karnataka region and the coastal district of Udupi and Kasaragod in Kerala, collectively known as Tulunadu. It is organized every year by the landlords there. There are many beliefs behind this. It is said that the history of this game is more than 800 years old.

The season of Kambala starts from November and ends when the crops are harvested from the fields in March. Mainly it is considered a game of farmers. In this, the buffaloes are decorated and they are prepared for a long time to run fast. Kambala is traditionally considered a simple game for there, which is essentially organized for the entertainment of the villagers of the area.

'Spices' flying in the paddy field

The Kambala Race is held on two parallel racing tracks. The track is made in the paddy field. It is made into mud by adding water. In the local language, mud made in the field is called masala. Now in a track 120 to 160 meters long and eight to 12 meters wide, two buffaloes are tied together and accompanied by a player who drives them, you know the jockey. That player has to run in a race with buffaloes and reach the finish line, whoever reaches first becomes the winner.

Meaning that overall the basic rules are the same as for normal running competition, but everything else is different. A player running with buffalo beats them for running fast and this format of the game has made it controversial. Earlier, coconuts were given to the winners, but now they are honored with gold medals and trophies etc.

What is the connection of race with Lord Shiva?

The origin of Kambala festival can be traced back to a thousand years. During the early days of the festival it was known as Karaga Utsav. Later it came to be known as Kambala Ceremony. According to the people, Kambala is a festival, which originated in the farming community of Karnataka.

This festival is dedicated to Lord Kadri Manjunath, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This pleases God and wishes for a good harvest. It was also a form of entertainment or recreational sport for the farming community.

Kambala was known by many names. Prominent among these is Kambala Kadri, which used to be held in Mangalore and is called Devara Kambala (Lord Kambla) because it is associated with Sri Manjunatha Temple, Kadri, Mangalore. Kadri Kambala is also known as Arasu Kambla (King Kambla). This way has been known by many names from time to time, but now it is making a splash in the name of Kambala only.

This tradition is said to have been preserved by the Elupa kings of Mangalore who were the rulers 300 years ago and for this reason the Kadri Kambala is also known as Raj Kambala. Buffaloes are specially prepared for the race. Some buffalo owners have even built separate swimming pools for competing buffaloes.

'Animals are cruel, stop it'

Kambala has been criticized by many animal lovers as showing cruelty due to the use of whips on racing radians. In 2014, the Supreme Court of India appealed to ban Kambala and Jallikattu based on lawsuits filed by animal welfare organizations.

Kambala committees opposed the ban and pointed out that Kambala and Jallikattu are two different principle sports, with Kambala buffalo racing and Jallikattu bull taming where a group of people try to capture and win a bull.

There was a request to remove this ban on Kambala as well as Jallikattu. The people there called it a traditional folk sport and there was no cruelty to animals and it was a popular wish that it would be allowed.

On 3 July 2017 the President of India Pranab Mukherjee approved the Prevention of Cruelty in Karnataka and the festival of Kambla was legalized in Karnataka. The popular places where Kambala is held are Vandaru, Picriklu, Chordi, Golavidi and Moodabidri. This popular festival is always considered as a pride for the state of Karnataka. In this the people there participate with great enthusiasm.

What is the difference between Jallikattu and Kambala?

Bullocks or bullocks are controlled under Jallikattu sport. This game is organized every year in mid-January during Mattu Pongal. Jallikattu is formed by combining two Tamil words Jalli and Kattu.

It means gold or silver coins tied in bull's horn. The one who removes these coins from the horns of the bull is considered the winner. There are three formats of this game – Vati Manju Virattu, Veli Virattu and Vatam Manjuvirattu. Whereas in Kambala, running is done with buffaloes.

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