Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 25: Even as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is battling it out in the court against Kambala over alleged cruelty to animals, the popular rural sport is all set to make a big comeback in Mangaluru.
Rama Lakshmana Jodukere Kambala will kick off on December 3 at the slush field of Goldfinch City at Bangrakuluru, headed by Capt Brijesh Chowta.
For the first time after three long years, Kambala was successfully organised at Moodbidiri on November 12, but the organisers could not escape from the eyes of PETA which claimed that buffaloes were subjected to violent lashes during the race. The PETA supported its claims with photographs and videos of the event as evidence. PETA then filed a petition seeking to annul the ordinance issued by Karnataka government permitting Kambala. Due to this, the Kambala which was scheduled to be held on November 19 at Pilikula was cancelled.
The petition filed by PETA, duly questioning an ordinance passed by Karnataka government paving way for holding of Kambalas, came up for hearing before the Supreme Court on Friday, November 24. During the hearing, lawyer for Karnataka government brought to the notice of the bench that the Kambala bill has already been passed by the state legislature. Thereafter, the SC bench adjourned hearing in the case to December 12.
Speaking to daijiworld, Capt Brijesh Chowta said, "Preparations are in full swing for Rama-Lakshmana Jodukere Kambala at Goldfinch City. A 100 metre track at the slush field has been prepared and is ready for the run. Kambala will be held in different categories such as Hagga and Negilu (senior) section, Adda Halaga, Hagga and Negilu (junior). The winners of senior and junior categories will be awarded one sovereign and half a sovereign of gold respectively and the winners of Hagga and Negilu (senior) will be awarded two sovereigns of gold. Over 120 pairs of buffaloes from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi will take part in this run. Kambala is a long cherished event organised in the coastal belt and we need to preserve and popularize the sport."
Vice-chancellor of Nitte University N Vinay Hegde will inaugurate the Kambala, while mayor Kavita Sanil will preside over the function. Union minister D V Sadananda Gowda, MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel and Shobha Karadhlaje will grace the occasion.
As per the Kambala schedule the next Kambala in the city will be at Jeppinamogaru on February 10 and concluding Kambala at Talapady on March 18, 2018.
The Kambala bill that has got the assent of the Karnataka legislature has to get the assent of the governor before it is published in the state gazette. Convener of Kambala Academy, Gunapal Kadamba, said that he was confident that Kambalas would be held as per schedule during this season.