BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar Opposes Government Plan To Bring Kambala To Mysuru Dasara

The Karnataka government's plan to introduce Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, into the historic Mysuru Dasara celebrations in Mysuru this October has met with strong opposition from local groups and Mysuru BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar.

The controversy emerged after the Mysuru district administration began preliminary preparations to host the traditional coastal sport during the annual ten-day Dasara festival. In response to the administration's preparations, representatives from various local organizations in Mysuru held a meeting and resolved to form an action committee to protest against the plan to hold the event during the festival.

Speaking on Saturday, Mysuru BJP MP Yaduveer Wadiyar condemned the proposal to feature Kambala during the celebrations. Wadiyar stated that using an event like Kambala as an "exhibit" during Dasara was highly condemnable, emphasizing its deep-rooted cultural and religious significance to its native region.

"It’s a unique celebration of the coastal region. It belongs to that soil and land. Like our Dasara, they have Kambala and other celebrations," Wadiyar said. He highlighted that Kambala is not merely a sport but involves specific religious rituals that must be respected.

The BJP leader further stated that festivals with a religious background should be handled sensitively by the administration. He argued that using the event just as an exhibition is condemnable and urged the state government to re-examine the decision. He noted that both Dasara and Kambala have earned their own distinct identities over generations, and the government should focus on preserving them in their respective formats.

Kambala is traditionally held across the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka. Meanwhile, the Dasara celebrations are organized annually in Mysuru by the state government, featuring a wide array of events including poetry meets, music concerts, and other cultural programs. The ten-day festivities culminate in the historic Jamboo Savari, the grand elephant procession.