Flood-Lit Jaya-Vijaya Jodukare Kambala in Jappinamogaru on Sun 11
Mangaluru: Even though the Supreme Court will hear a plea by PETA on 12 February 2018 which seeks to prohibit the buffalo race, “Kambala” that is held in Karnataka during festivities that coincide with the Pongal celebrations, locally in Jappinamogaru a Kambala has been organized on Sunday. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud have agreed to hear the plea by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
During a press meet held at Hotel woodlands-Mangaluru Jaya-Vijaya Jodukare Kambala Samiti president J Anil Shetty Mankutota said, ” The Sixth Jaya-Vijaya Jodukare Kambala in memory of late Jayagangadhara Shetty, (a well-known social and religious leader, was the managing trustee of Kurmbisthana Vaidyanatha temple for 40 years, and was instrumental in renovating the temple) will be held at at Jappinamogaru in the city on Sunday, 11 February 2108. The event will be held on specially-prepared tracks on the banks of the Nethravati river at Jappinamogaru. The flood-lit kambala will begin after traditional rituals at 8.30 am and continue till 8 pm on Monday”
He further said, ” Nearly 200 pairs of racing buffaloes, their caretakers and owners from various parts of coastal districts are expected to participate in the event. Kambala is a traditional folk sport of Tulunadu and it is closely related to the culture of the region. Hence, we have been making efforts to preserve the tradition by holding kambala. We could not hold the event in the two previous years due to legal hurdles. A committee comprising 140 members has been formed and construction of race course, parking, drinking water, dining and accommodation for buffaloes is being given due attention. The competition will be held in four categories-and the owners of prize winning buffaloes will be awarded 8 gram, four gram and two gram gold coins respectively.”
“Religious scholar Vedamoorthi Brahmasri Vitaladas Thantri will inaugurate the event on 11 February at 8.30 am, while Karavali Group of Colleges chairman S Ganesh Rao will preside over it. A public meeting will be held as part of the kambala event at 7pm on Sunday. District minister B Ramanath Rai will be the chief guest, and former minister J Palemar will preside over the event. Minister U T Khader and MP Nalin Kumar Kateel will also grace the occasion.
Kambala Committee members Sudhakar Shetty, Rajiv Shetty, Shridhar Shetty, corporator Praveen Alva were among others present on the dais for press meet.
