Kambala banned, no one’s happy
24 races scheduled for this year have to be cancelled
Mangaluru: Tulunadu’s traditional buffalo race , Kambala, will soon be history with the Animal Welfare Board calling a halt to it following the Supreme Court's ban on Jallikattu and similar events.
Kambala, held in slushy paddy fields between October and April is hugely popular in the districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada and is recognised as a traditional sport, dating back several centuries .
The state government has even set aside funds for it in the budget and almost all local MLAs and ministers are associated with the Kambala committees formed for the sport.
This year 24 races were scheduled to be held between November 15 , and March 28, 2015 in different parts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. But the Supreme Court’s ban on Jallikattu, has now put an end to Kambala too.
In a letter dated November 13 to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Udupi district, Animal Welfare Board secretary in-charge, S Vinod Kumar has instructed them to stop the buffalo/bull races under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960.