Mysuru Dasara: Yaduveer urges rethink on Kambala inclusion, calls to preserve its sanctity

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, Jul 1, 2026: Mysore-Kodagu MP and Yadu dynasty scion Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has urged careful consideration over the proposal to include Kambala in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, stressing the need to preserve the traditional essence of both cultural events.

The debate over introducing the coastal buffalo race into the iconic Dasara festival has resurfaced after a proposal to organise Kambala during Dasara 2025 failed to materialise due to the absence of a suitable venue.

Last year, when he was the Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar had announced that Kambala would become part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations. While the idea has generated excitement among some sections of the public, environmentalists and cultural experts have questioned the need to shift the centuries-old coastal tradition to Mysuru.

In a post on X, Wadiyar said the ongoing discussions require "the deepest introspection," describing Kambala as a sacred tradition with centuries of history that is deeply rooted in the soil, culture, and lives of the people of coastal Karnataka.

He noted that Kambala carries significant traditional and religious value and should not be viewed merely as a commercial or entertainment event. According to him, separating the unique practice from its native environment and regional beliefs could undermine its intrinsic sanctity.

Wadiyar also emphasised that the focus should instead be on strengthening the original spirit of Mysuru Dasara. He pointed out that the festival continues to face several administrative, infrastructural, and systemic challenges, and urged the government and the Dasara Apex Committee to prioritise resolving these issues before considering the inclusion of new events.