'Namma Kambala’ is a global event, prestige matters more than proceeds'

Chandra Prabhu | NT

Bengaluru: Kambala, Dakshina Kannada’s famous buffalo race, is all set to embark here in the Palace Grounds in Bengaluru from Saturday.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, Prakash Shetty, President of the Bangalore Kambala Committee signalled that this Kambala is organised by a group. “69 Organisations from Dakshina Kannada have come together to make this possible,” he added.

Shetty went on to explain how 120-160 pairs of ‘Kona’ Buffaloes will travel from Uppinangadi and will stop at Hassan for a break. He also confirmed that Holenarisipura MLA and JD(S) MLA H D Revanna will be present at the resting spot, and will take part in the procession on Thursday.

“Late in the night, trucks carrying the buffaloes will reach here, and each pair will be given a space to rest,” he ended.

Convenor of Kambala committee and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, further gave the gathering required details.

Responding to a question on differences in conditions, Rai said “The water and food like fodder and boiled vegetables for the Konas will be brought from Manguluru, as a precautionary measure. Commenting on the 155m long track prepared, Rai dubbed it “the perfect track,” as he explained how hard soil poses low risk of injury for the Konas.

Rai also confirmed that the Kambala will be free to the public.

“Everyone is invited to this celebration of Dakshina Kannada culture. These Konas are not being shown for money, but to foster a sense of pride, for the entire nation, he added. The organisers confirmed Chief Minister Siddaramiah’s and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s presence in the event.

“Shiva Rajkumar, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar & Sudeep have accepted our invitation. Anushka Shetty has also confirmed her presence,” Rai said.

The organisers are expecting a footfall of 7-8 lakh people. Stalls which will sell coastal Karnataka food are on the cards. The Kambala will end with the final on Sunday evening.

The trial run for the Kona Buffaloes was poised to happen on Wednesday. However, it was postponed due to rains.

KONA OWNER: WE TAKE CARE OF OUR KONAS LIKE OUR SONS

Lohith BB, owner of Kona buffaloes ‘Jaya’, ‘Raja’, ‘Shiva’ and ‘Gopala’ confirmed their participation under the team ‘Puttur Thingaladi Balayya.’

“We are happy to have our buffaloes to take part in this event,” he said smilingly. When asked about maintaining and training the buffaloes for races, the Puttur man said, “We have a team to maintain and feed them with good food. In terms of training, the Konas will be taken to two kilometre walks and practice runs in the fields,” Lohith told News Trail.

The organisers have announced the prize for the top three; 16 gram gold for the winner, eight grams for the runner and four grams for third place. Lohith was confident of winning the entire thing.

“As a sport we expect to win, but as an event we want to enjoy our time,” he ended.