‘Conducting Kambala as independent, multi-day festival would be more impactful’: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar

‘Conducting Kambala as independent, multi-day festival would be more impactful’: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, Sep 22, 2026: Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family said Kambala, the traditional coastal buffalo race held in slush, could have a greater impact if organised as a separate festival rather than as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.

Speaking at a media conference at Mysuru Palace on Monday, she said she had no intention of advising the Karnataka government on organising Dasara events or the procession unless asked to do so.

“However, my personal opinion is that Kambala has its own unique heritage and significance. Showcasing it as part of the Dasara events deprives it of the special priority it deserves. Conducting it as an independent, multi-day festival at a different time would have been far more impactful,” she said.

On the scale and changes to Dasara celebrations, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said the decision rested with the government.

“Dasara inherently stands for grandeur. Historically, even during periods of drought, the festival was celebrated with the hope that rains would follow the festivities,” she said.

Concern Over Chamundi Hill Development

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar also expressed concern over the increasing commercialisation of Chamundi Hill, saying the holy site was losing its religious character.

“The construction works being carried out there in the name of development are alarming. Controlled blasts to clear rocks for a multi-level parking complex caused cracks in the walls of the historic Rajendra Vilas Palace, which was being renovated atop the hill,” she said.

On long-pending legal disputes involving their properties, she said numerous cases were pending before the courts.

“There are innumerable cases pending before the court — far too many to count. We have won a few of them, but the governments have failed to implement them,” she said.

Private Durbar Schedule

Pramoda Devi Wadiyar also shared details of the traditional Private Durbar (Khasgi Durbar) to be held during the upcoming Dasara festivities.

The assembly of the Golden Throne (Simhasana Jodane) will take place on October 5. The Private Durbar will commence on October 11 at 11.45 am, followed by Saraswati Puja on October 16.

Ayudha Puja will be held on October 20 at 11.35 am, while the Vijayadashami procession is scheduled for October 21 at 8.15 am.