Mysuru to host first-ever Kambala during Dasara; proposal sparks mixed reactions

Mysuru to host first-ever Kambala during Dasara; proposal sparks mixed reactions

Mangalore Today News Network

Mysuru, Jul 1, 2026: As Mysuru gears up to host its first-ever Kambala race as part of this year’s Dasara celebrations, the proposed event has sparked mixed reactions among residents.

The idea of including Kambala in Mysuru Dasara was first announced last year by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Although there were plans to organise the event during Dasara 2025, they could not be realised due to the lack of a suitable venue.

While environmentalists have questioned the need to hold the traditional coastal event in Mysuru, many, particularly youngsters, have welcomed the move, saying it would add a new attraction to the city’s iconic festival.

The two-day Kambala, the traditional buffalo race held on slush tracks in coastal Karnataka, is tentatively scheduled for October 18 and 19 as a special attraction during Dasara 2026.

The event is expected to cost between Rs 5 crore and Rs 8 crore. Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, who has been entrusted by the state government with organising the event, recently inspected two possible venues in Mysuru.

According to Rai, land near the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Sathagalli Layout has been identified as a suitable location. Once the site is cleared, experts will prepare the race track. Around 200 buffaloes are expected to participate in the day-and-night event.

Environmental Concerns

Activist Banu Mohan opposed the proposal, claiming the identified site was once a lake and had previously been earmarked for a stadium project, which environmentalists had successfully opposed.

She alleged that trees were being felled and earthmoving work was underway using excavators before environmental activists, with assistance from the Forest Department, halted the work.

Mohan said environmental groups are planning to file objections against the event, arguing that hosting Kambala in Mysuru could worsen traffic congestion, attract thousands of spectators and negatively impact the environment.

Resident Raghava also opposed the plan, saying the event would require nearly 20 acres of land, besides additional space for parking. He questioned the need to spend public money on such an event during Dasara and expressed concerns about animal welfare and environmental damage. He added that those interested in watching Kambala could travel to coastal Karnataka, where it is traditionally held.

Support from Youth

However, not everyone shares these concerns. Nayankumar, a Mysuru native working as an IT professional in Bengaluru, welcomed the initiative, saying Dasara should continue to introduce new attractions to appeal to tourists.

He also noted that the Supreme Court had dismissed a petition seeking to restrict Kambala exclusively to the coastal region, clearing the way for the event to be organised elsewhere in the state.