Daijiworld Media Network - Byndoor (SP)

Byndoor, Apr 9: Honouring the demand made by the people of coastal Karnataka, the state government has released a grant of one crore rupees by way of incentive for the Kambalas being organized in the twin districts. Now, there is an increasing thrust on the need to give recognition to all the Kambalas being organized in coastal Karnataka without in any way differentiating between them. A similar demand has also been heard in Udupi and Byndoor apart from other regions.

It is being heard of late that the incentive of the government is meant only for the Jodukare Kambala. Now Kambala committees of traditional and religious Kambala organizers have urged the government and the deputy commissioner to respect their sentiments and demand. In the incentive scheme now drawn for the Kambalas, there is provision for the formation of committees and other rules. Out of one crore rupees grant, Rs 50 lac each has been set aside for Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. But Udupi district has a large number of Kambalas that are organized traditionally or in the form of religious observations. Over 40 traditional Kambalas are being organized annually including the one at Byndoor. Therefore, the district Kambala committee wants the ambit of the incentive to be widened.

Venkata Poojary Sasihithlu, president of Byndoor zone Kambala Committee, said that Kambala, special pujas, worship of serpent god etc are conducted in coastal areas more as a religious practice. He, therefore, demanded the incentive to be extended to everyone as per rules without differentiating. He has urged the deputy commissioner to take into account even rural-based Kambalas and disburse the incentive to them.