Mangalore: A Kambala race of 10 trained buffaloes was organised at Pilikula Dhama grounds in marshy areas for the benefit of children who had come from many states in India but has not seen such a sport before, and the children screamed in excitement and delight on Tuesday.

It was only a demonstration, and not a competition, as in Kadri or Puttur. It expressed the essence of Tulu sportive culture. But there were 10 pairs of animals that ran various races to delight the kids. The races were held in two watered tracks prepared in front of ‘Guthu House’ at Pilikula. The owned were Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

B.D’Souza, who owned a pair of buffaloes(Pandu and Raja) informed that he had participated in many Kambla races in 2 years but this was memorable. Another owner N.C. Alava said he spent Rs.800 every day on his pair of buffaloes.

For children it was a rare sight and experience, coming as they do from Mysore, or Maharashtra.

It was a rich man’s game of prestige, like a bull fight, or animals cart race.