Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Oct 13: Kambala has its own special place in the lives of the people living in coastal Karnataka. In addition to the folklore and religious significance attached to them, Kambalas also are meant to entertain the farmers and inculcate adventurism. Even though Kambala has of late been losing the traditional base, its significance has not been dented. Along with retaining the traditional flavour of devotion and religious orientation, it has been marching ahead on the modern base by taking upon a competitive form.

Kambalas are held in large numbers in Byndoor and surrounding places. They are held because of religious needs and faiths attached to them. Even now we can see 18 to 20 Kambalas being held near Byndoor. One of the traditions that has been well established happens to be the training being given to the Kambala buffaloes during Navaratri.

The trial for the Kambala a month before the new Kambala season begins, is held in a specified spot. On a day every Navaratri, Kambala buffaloes get training at Bolamballi in Byndoor taluk in the slushy field. This year's training session was held on Tuesday October 12.

Even though Kambala is a show of adventurist mindset of the farmers, they are equally supported by religious backgrounds. Kambalas are held in the form of service to Daivas and in order to appease them. Kambala starts after the Sankramana day in November. This training is given to the buffaloes which have rested for eight months after the end of the previous season.

Training is held in the three sections, Hagga, Negilu and Gori. This provides a forum for training not only for the animals but also other jockeys. Veteran jockeys also provide information, guidance and advice to junior jockeys here. As several expert jockeys participate in the training, the new jockeys get a lot of information and egg them on to achieve more.

After the buffaloes are led to the Kambalagadde house, the hospitality extended is received, the buffaloes go around the Tulsi Platform in perambulatory path and then other preparations including the tying of the yoke are done as per set practices. The buffaloes of Srirama Chaitra Parameshwar Bhat Bolambali and Sasihitlu Venkata Poojary participated. Several Kambala jockeys got training in different sections.

Because of Covid, last year, only a few Kambalas were held. The season was not very good for the jockeys and buffalo owners. People sincerely hope that this year the season will be promising for the Kambala fans.

Parameshwar Bhat, owner of the Kambala buffaloes, says that the buffaloes are allowed into the Kambala field after the puja of the pond. The training is held in three rounds, he said. Mahesh Poojary Byndoor said that his buffaloes take part in Kambalas held even as far away as Mangaluru, Puttur and Uppinangady. He says that he wants to take part in 15 to 18 Kambalas this year.