Activists from Parisarakkagi Naavu presenting a memorandum to Additional Deputy Commissioner Aishwaraya, in Mysuru on Tuesday, with an appeal to drop the proposed Kambala during Mysuru Dasara.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Even as preparations for the proposed Kambala event in this year’s Dasara festivities in Mysuru has reportedly commenced, a coalition of farmers’ organisations, environmental groups, Kannada organisations, progressive forums, writers, artists and heritage enthusiasts has appealed to Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to drop the proposal, contending that it would dilute the festival’s historical and cultural identity.In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister through the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner by Parisarakkagi Naavu, the signatories said the Mysuru Dasara is world-renowned for its unique history, traditions, religious practices and cultural heritage, attracting visitors from across India and abroad.The memorandum argued that the addition of new attractions such as Yuva Dasara in recent years has already resulted in excessive crowds, traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and waste generation, overshadowing the festival’s traditional character.The organisations said introducing Kambala—a traditional buffalo race native to the coastal Tulu Nadu region—would spark resentment among residents here as Mysuru Dasara is very unique.Describing Kambala as an 800-year-old rural sport deeply rooted in the geography, agriculture, religious beliefs and cultural traditions of the coastal region, the memorandum said the event should remain in its native setting and should not be transplanted to Mysuru merely as a crowd-pulling attraction. It claimed that several people from the coastal region were also opposed to shifting the sport to Mysuru.The government may introduce new cultural programmes, but should not compromise the identity of Mysuru Dasara, the memorandum said, suggesting organising indoor programmes showcasing the art, literature and culture of different districts instead.The organisations also welcomed the Deputy Chief Minister’s reported suggestion that Dasara celebrations be expanded to other districts such as Chamarajanagar, Srirangapatna, Madikeri, Mangaluru and Tumakuru, saying such a move would make Dasara a “State festival”(Nada Habba).The memorandum also pointed to the prevailing drought-like conditions in several districts due to the delayed monsoon and said the government’s priority should be addressing farmers’ distress.It also questioned the environmental impact of the proposed Kambala, alleging that vegetation spread across 27 acres would be cleared to prepare the slush track, and lakhs of litres of water would be required amid water scarcity due to rain failure.The organisations urged the government to focus on addressing shortcomings in the existing Dasara celebrations, promote local art forms, and ensure fair remuneration for artists.They warned that if the government proceeds with organising Kambala during Dasara, farmers’ organisations, environmental groups, Kannada organisations, progressive forums, writers, artistes, heritage experts and other like-minded groups would launch a united and intensified agitation. Published - July 14, 2026 07:38 pm IST
