Mangalore: The Pilikula Nisargadhama Society of Moodushedde and DK-Udupi Kambala Committees organised a spectacular 4th Netravathi –Falguni Jodukere Kambala (a traditional buffalo race in muddy fields in the name of two rivers signifying two districts) in Mangalore today (Saturday, Feb12).
Chancellor N.Vinay Hegde inaugurated the man-and-animal racing event of Tulunadu. IGP of Western Range, Alok Mohan, IPS, was the guest of honour.
Speakers lauded the organizers for their keen efforts to bring the best out of annual Kambala racing done all over DK-Udupi in a folklore way. The race brought the essence of adventure, they added.
Moodushedde Commissioner J.R.Lobo welcomed the guests, while Dr.Jeevandhar Balla thanked the gathering for their tremendous support and enthusiasm.
Over 105 pairs of strongly built bullocks were seen in this prominent race schedules and visitors can on Sunday, Feb13 for more fin and frolic seen in Kambala.
There is a long 135 meter run over a slushy track for every buffalo race with a driver holding them together.
A German couple in Mangalore were ecstatic to see such races here. Fred and Lita took a video coverage with them for a documentary to be shown back home.
Competitions are held on Kana Halage (war board), Negilu (yoke) and other timber plates. A Tulu commentary is provided as in Cricket ODI.
The buffaloes eat horsegram and grass dry or wet. They can be dark, or red and white, with strong breathing capacity and shushing of tails. They go in to junior category with 6 teeth only, but graduate to senior levels when they grow teeth! They cost Rs4lakhs a pair to the owner and he appends Rs20,000 on upkeep. The driver (runner on board) gets Rs2lakhs a year.