Kambala-The Race

Kambala (Tulu: ಕಂಬಳ) is an annual Buffalo Race held traditionally under the auspices of aristocratic Bunt Households (Aramane,Beedu,Guthu/Mane) in coastal Karnataka,India.The Kambala season generally starts in November and lasts until March.


Vandar/Vandaaru is a village around 10 km from Kundapura(the last destination directly connected by bus from Bangalore). This Kambala is special as there is no competition here but this is an exhibition of the best talents. There are pairs coming from all the villages within 15km radius. The Kambala lovers and keen enthusiasts come from around the villages noting important pairs and how they are performing. There are smaller/younger buffalo pairs, who do a half (mazza) run, they get prepared for the future. There is a big village fair to enjoy too.


The Vandar organisers are not part of the Kambala organisation and you need to know specifically when they are organising Kambala for the year.  


Here is a photo story from my visit

Participants came from all nearby villages. Some had to walk others were carried

The owners and caretakers were present to keep their cool before the race begun

  The village pride at stake

With pomp and cheer and whistle entered each team

The teams looked upon their supporters from the village

The experienced eyes had to watch out for possible competition.

The ablest of the farmers were ready with their whips.

The speed and control mattered the most. The crowd was also in for a mud bath.

Its time for the village Hercules.

Accidents did happen.

Amusement for all.

Anxiety for some.

The king was present and so were the jesters in the fair that followed.

The contestants and villagers walk back with a bite of  ice cream and sweets and memories for the family.