Mangaluru: Rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Tulunadu, Kambala, the traditional buffalo race, continues to be a powerful symbol of the region’s agrarian life, spiritual beliefs and rural traditions. Evolving from a centuries-old practice closely linked to farming and livestock, Kambala has gradually embraced modern organisational structures and today enjoys growing popularity across the country and abroad.
Emerging from the strong public movement that opposed attempts to ban the traditional sport—widely perceived as an attack on the cultural identity of the region—Mangalore Kambala has grown into a major annual event. The event now enters its ninth year, reflecting renewed enthusiasm and sustained public support.
Mangalore Kambala 2025 will be inaugurated on Saturday, December 27, at 8.30 am, while the formal stage programme will be held the same day at 6 pm. The prize distribution ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, December 28, at 8 am.
To mark the completion of nine years, the organisers have planned several new initiatives alongside the races. A historical art exhibition on the life and valour of Tulunadu’s legendary queen Rani Abbakka will be held in collaboration with Prof. Tukaram Poojary of the Rani Abbakka Tulu Studies Centre. Commemorating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, a mass group singing by 150 girl students will be held at 8.30 am on the inaugural day.
As part of the celebrations, nine individuals from the industrial sector who are contributing to society and strengthening the “Back to Ooru” concept will be honoured with the Mangalore Kambala Award 2025. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s environmental initiative, the event will also launch the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ programme, encouraging the planting of saplings in the name of one’s mother.
Special arrangements have been made to facilitate the participation of differently-abled persons and residents of old-age homes from Mangaluru, enabling them to witness the Kambala races. In addition, painting, photography and reels competitions, along with an AI-based creative art contest centred on Kambala, will be organised to encourage youth participation and creative engagement.
Kambala Committee President and Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta, along with the office bearers of the Mangaluru Kambala Committee, were present during the announcement and reviewed the preparations for the event.
With tradition at its core and innovation woven into its celebrations, Mangalore Kambala 2025 is expected to further strengthen the cultural identity of Tulunadu while taking the spirit of this unique folk sport to a wider audience.