Mangalore: The age-old Kadri Kambala on a road named after it, and conducted in a watered muddy field closeby, came book after an year, on Sunday (Dec 4) afternnon, inaugurated by Kadri sage, Mahantoras Sri Sandhyanathji of Natha Pantha of Yogishwar Mutt (on Kadri Hills).

Enthusiastic crowds took part in rural games like rope-tugging (both me and women), muddy races, and Teppangai (braking coconut on a palm), and also a treasure-hunt, that entertained people (visitors/tourists alike) to no end.

The actual buffalo races in the muddy waters on twin-tracks commence only in the afternoon as per old traditions, after lunch.

The buffaloes keep coming in the morning to get ready for their races, till the evening under high expectations.

The Kadri-Kambala, history says, flourished under Tuluva Alepa (Alvas) kings/dynasty that ruled here from 700 to 1400 AD, under their patronage, thus it is well known as Arasu Kambala. When 2 buffaloes run, it is Jodu Kambala. As the Kadri Manjunathaswamy temple is nearby, it is Devara Kambala, devotees say.

The races are held on Kana halage (footboard), hagga hiriya (ropes) and Kiriya (reins).

Winners get gold medals. A Guthu award was given to B.P. Karkers of TV ‘Namma Kudla’.

DC Dr. Channappa Gowda, B.Nagaraja Shetty (KK Samitit Chief