About Kambala
Kambala is an ancient traditional sport of Karnataka, India, which involves racing with male buffaloes. It is a popular program in the coastal regions of Karnataka, particularly in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
Brief history of the Kambala
Kambala has its roots in the rural agricultural practices of Karnataka, dating back to the 10th century.
– Initially, it was a form of entertainment for the rural people, where buffalo owners would race their animals to show off their strength and speed.
– Over time, Kambala evolved into a competitive sport, with organized events and prize money for the winners.
– The sport gained popularity during the Vijayanagara Empire (1336-1646 CE) and flourished during the British colonial era.
– In recent years, the Kambala has faced controversy and legal challenges due to animal welfare and cruelty concerns.
– Despite these challenges, the Kambala remains an important part of Karnataka’s cultural heritage and a symbol of rural tradition.
Kambala is a popular folk sport in coastal Karnataka. The Kambala is a competition to run the male buffaloes in the mud field.
Kambala is said to have hundreds of years of history. In earlier times this sport was played with the support and patronage of kings. In Dakshina Kannada district the use of buffaloes for plowing is common. The intention behind organizing a race between the strongest among them and honoring the winners is to give impetus to the sportsmanship of the farmers. Likewise, this is a pretext to groom and take good care of the buffaloes as well. This sport takes place after the first paddy harvest.
The word Kampa also means mud. Hence it is said that kampa+pola became kambula. It is also said that kampada can be kala > kambala as kala means stage of competition, arena.
After harvesting, the kambala takes place in vacant or unused fields. But more recently, dedicated fields have been built and maintained just for Kambala. The Kambala is run in a track/field of about one hundred to two hundred meters long.
Popular in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district, Kambala is a recreational sport practiced by the farming community after harvesting paddy. This folk sport, which starts in winter after Deepavali festival in the month of Kartika, is organized in different parts of twin districts till the month of March. Modern Kambala has grown with heritage and includes an array of sports, music, dance and cultural events. In recent years, Kambala is becoming more organized and popular.
Modern Kambala takes place in the following stages:
1. Planning
Place and date: A suitable place is chosen to host the Kambala, usually it is a gathering place or a place of water. The date for the project will be fixed in advance from the forecast.
Complete preparation: Specific tasks are undertaken to prepare the sports venue. Here soil work, water system and other requirements are maintained.
2. Selection of Livestock
Buffaloes & Cows: The best cattle are selected for Kambala. These buffaloes & cows are well trained.
Care: Cows used for competition are given good care, including attention to diet, health and natural environment.
3. Competition
Method of Competition: Competitors train their buffaloes and cows the route decided to use for the race. Cattle run parallel, and the competitor strives to best manage his cattle.
Plots: the Kambala is usually held in divided plots, and points are awarded for buffaloes and movement of cows in each plot.
4. Expectation and Reward
Scoring: After the end of the competition, the points are tallied and awards are given to the winners.
Prize Distribution: Prizes and certificates will be given to the winners to continue and recognize them as good sportsmen.
5. Cultural programs
Dance and Music: Apart from sports, Kambala also includes local music, dance and entertainment programs. This helps in promoting local talents and traditions.
Celebration of Festivals: This program helps in participating in public events, celebrating the local cultural legacy.
6. Rules and Regulations
Safety: There are important safety rules in Kambala operation. Constant checking is done to keep competitors and spectators safe.
Cattle Care: Cattle health and welfare is taken care of during the Kambala so that there is no harm to the cattle.
Conclusion
The modern Kambala is moving with the heritage and changing with modern times. It is a noteworthy event that brings the local community together, and celebrates its cultural wealth and heritage.
The exact time period in which the Kambala originated is not known, but its origins go back to ancient times. Some historians and researchers speculate its date to the 16th century or earlier.