Kambala is an ancient tradition of giving thanks to God and nature, celebrated in the state of Karnataka in southwestern India. It is also popular as a buffalo race in different parts of the world.
Twinkle Updated: Dec 15, 2022 17:36 IST
What is the Kambala Festival?
The visual delights of ‘Kantara: The Legend’ gave us a glimpse of the richness and variation of the culture of Karnataka. After Kola, another tradition is celebrated here, the Kambala or popularly known as the buffalo race, which is celebrated from November to March every year.
What is the Kambala Festival?
In the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, the annual Kambala festival is celebrated. The festival includes the traditional buffalo race, a popular and distinctive sport in the state’s agricultural community.
One sport is Kambala. The buffaloes are led by a farmer who whips them through the muddy rice paddy that serves as Kambala’s race track. Mangalore and Udupi are two well-known regions where people participate in Kambala celebrations.
The traditional Kambala, on the other hand, lacked competition and the two went head to head. Competition in contemporary Kambala usually involves two pairs of buffaloes. And coconuts and bananas were given to the winning buffalo couple. Gold and silver coins are now awarded to successful owners. Some organizing committees may present the winner with a cash prize or an eight-gram gold coin.
Why is the Kambala Festival celebrated?
There are several stories about the origins of Kambala; Some claim that this tradition was started by kings over a thousand years ago as a royal pastime, while others claim that the farming community was responsible. The traditional Kambala festival is considered a way to thank the gods for a successful harvest or rain. Some people even claim that their animals’ immunity to disease is due to higher powers.
What is the Karnataka Ratna Award?
11 interesting facts related to the Kambala festival
- Kambala is an annual festival season that begins in November and lasts until March and is celebrated in Dakshina Kannada.
- Kambala is derived from ‘Kampa-kala’, where the word ‘Kampa’ means muddy or muddy, and Kala refers to the field.
- The origin of the Kambala celebration dates back more than a thousand years.
- In the early days of the festival, it was known as Karaga celebrations.
- It was dedicated to an incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva, known as Lord Kadri Manjunatha.
- According to records, the festival was started by the Hoysala Kings to see if buffaloes could be trained and used in war.
- Farms and locals carry out these races as a gesture of thanks and gratitude to the god for the good health of the buffaloes.
- Racing was and remains a form of entertainment or recreational sport for the farming community.
- The festival is held in various categories namely Negilu, Hagga, Adda Halage and Kene Halage.
- Mangalore is one of those places where Kambala is celebrated on a massive level.
- However, the Supreme Court of India imposed a ban on Kambala after several petitions were filed against animal cruelty during the race; Later, in 2017, it was legalized again as a traditional form of sport.
Check other important days and dates in December 2022
Frequently asked questions
In which state is the buffalo race organized?
karnataka
When did Kambala start?
The first documented Kambala was held on February 2, 1970 at Bajagoli, near Karkala, in Udupi district.
Where is the Kambala festival celebrated?
The Buffalo Race Festival is an annual festival celebrated in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
Why is the Kambala Festival celebrated?
The annual festival is celebrated to please the gods for a good harvest.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn