Ninth Mangaluru Kambala inaugurated in presence of Mary Kom

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 27, 2025: The ninth edition of the Mangaluru Kambala, organised under the leadership of Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, was inaugurated at Goldfinch City, Bangrakuluru, on Saturday in the presence of several dignitaries, including Indian Olympic boxing legend Mary Kom.

Addressing the gathering, Mary Kom greeted the people of Tulunadu in Tulu with “Mantheregla Namaskara,” drawing loud applause. Thanking the organisers for inviting her, she said it was a privilege to be part of the traditional buffalo race and expressed happiness at being associated with the event. “Coming from a humble village in Manipur, I feel deeply connected to this festival,” she said, while appreciating buffalo owners and participants for preserving the unique tradition.

Describing Kambala as a tradition found nowhere else in the country, Mary Kom said the ninth consecutive edition in Mangaluru made the event special. She later distributed prizes to winners of various competitions held as part of the Kambala.

Nearly 170 buffalo pairs participated in the races across different categories, drawing a large number of spectators from across the state and beyond.

Earlier, Capt Chowta said Mangaluru was the cradle of Sanatana culture and the identity of Tulunadu. He stressed the need to collectively work towards building “Mangaluru 2.0” and a “Viksit Mangaluru,” in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with active public participation. He noted that the Kambala, which began eight years ago, has united people from all sections of society and that the ninth edition was organised by integrating new traditions and New Year celebrations.

As part of the celebrations marking 150 years of the patriotic song Vande Mataram, 150 girl students dressed in white sang the song in unison along the edge of the slushy Kambala track, creating a patriotic atmosphere.

This year’s Mangaluru Kambala featured several initiatives, including a painting exhibition on the life of Rani Abbakka, distribution of saplings under the Prime Minister’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, felicitation of ‘Back to Ooru’ entrepreneurs, and interactions with senior citizens from old-age homes.

Four competitions for children — painting, photography, reels and the tech-driven ‘AI Creative Yodha’ — were also organised, adding to the vibrancy of the festivities.