Activists decide to form Action Committee, oppose Kambala during Mysuru Dasara 2026

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, Jul 3, 2026: Opposition to the Karnataka government’s proposal to host Kambala during the 2026 Mysuru Dasara celebrations is growing, with environmentalists, heritage experts, farmers’ groups, and several organisations raising concerns over its impact on the city’s cultural identity and ecology.

The state government has proposed introducing Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, as part of this year’s Dasara festivities in Mysuru. However, several organisations argue that the move could alter the historic character of the festival and pose environmental challenges.

At a meeting convened by Parisarakkagi Naavu on Thursday, activists unanimously resolved to oppose the inclusion of Kambala in the Dasara celebrations. They also decided to form an action committee comprising representatives from various organisations to coordinate protests and other programmes against the proposal.

Participants at the meeting said Naada Habba Dasara, renowned for its centuries-old traditions, including the iconic Jamboo Savari, has a distinct cultural identity that should not be diluted by introducing events that are not historically associated with the festival.

Environmentalists warned that hosting Kambala would require more than 20 acres of land for the race track and an additional 10 acres for parking and other facilities. They expressed concern that trees may have to be felled to create the venue and that the large crowds expected for the event could increase traffic congestion and place additional pressure on the city’s environment.

Farmer leader Badagalapura Nagendra said Kambala should not be held during Mysuru Dasara, arguing that the traditional sport should not be brought to the city for commercial purposes.

Heritage expert N. S. Rangaraju noted that Mysuru Dasara has been celebrated since the Vijayanagara era and said there is no historical evidence of Kambala being part of the festival. He questioned the need to introduce it now.

Banu Prashant of Parisarakkagi Naavu argued that allowing Kambala could pave the way for the inclusion of other traditional sporting events such as Jallikattu and cockfights in future editions of the festival.

Activist Parashuramegowda also opposed the proposal, citing concerns over water scarcity. He pointed out that Karnataka is facing drought conditions, reservoirs are running low, and rainfall has been inadequate in Kerala and the Malnad region. Given the prevailing situation, he said, the state should focus on organising a culturally rich but environmentally responsible Dasara rather than a grand celebration requiring large quantities of water to prepare slushy fields for Kambala.

Meanwhile, Mysore-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has also called for a wider discussion on the proposal. In a social media post, he said the inclusion of Kambala in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations requires careful introspection. While describing Kambala as an integral part of the culture and traditions of coastal Karnataka, he stressed that priority should be given to preserving and strengthening the original essence and heritage of Mysuru Dasara.