Upcoming Kambala festival in Karnataka

Given the traditional Buffalo racing festival in Karnataka comes up from November (see list below ) , it becomes imperative for KAWB to ensure that this sport is conducted with the highest standards of compassion. Since the ordinance promulgated by the President in June 2017, ratified  the Karnataka Second Amendment Act, 2017 PCA this festival is now legal and part of the cultural tradition of Karnataka. Section 3 (1)says : conduct of “Kambala” or “Bulls race or Bullock cart race” shall be permitted, subject to condition that no unnecessary pain or suffering is caused to the animals, by the person in charge of that animal used to conduct “Kambala” or “Bulls race or Bullock cart race” as the case may be and subject to such other conditions as may be specified, by the State Government, by notification." Also, Section 4(f) says: the conduct of “Kambala” with a view to follow and promote tradition and culture and ensure preservation of native breed of buffalos as also their safety, security and wellbeing.  However there have been many instances of injury to humans and inadvertent or deliberate animal cruelty ; and many FIRs have been filed in several locations for the same underPrevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Performing Animals Registration Rules and IPC 429 etc. We understand that the Kambala dates are announced and there will be one In Bangalore’s Palace Grounds this year. 

As a matter of abundant caution, I would like to respectfully ask what steps KAWB is taking to ensure a safe, properly managed and compassionate conduct of the upcoming Kambala festival. In addition, I would request that a clear & firm circular go out to all the 18 Kambala Samithis, 31 District SPCAs (especially Udipi & Mangalore areas), Police, DMs etc. to clearly outline the process to be followed as well as list preventive measures to ensure that there is no inadvertent cruelty to the animal during this festival. This would include health checks done on the animals, proper conduct of the festival to avoid cruelty (whipping, pulling the nose rope or putting chili in the eyes) and other such terrible acts. We also must make sure that there are KAWB representatives, NGOs & SPCA officers available to create pre-event awareness & monitor the festivals and sufficiently veterinary care available and provided to the cattle after the conduct of this festival.

Information also must go out to the police and the administrative machinery to ensure that they are informed, aligned, and will take adequate preventive measures to ensure the safe conduct of the festival and cruelty prevention for the animals. We would be grateful if you could share your plan of action, circular, plans for awareness and administrative machinery readiness to safely contact the Kambala festival for Karnataka.  I look forward to hearing from you and to ensure that these animals are not harmed in anyway, while preserving the cultural tradition of our state.

Look forward to your earliest response and action plan.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

(Letter emailed to Ms Salma Fahim, Chairman- Executive Committee, KAWB) 

CC: DGP, Karnataka Police

CC: Dr Palegar, Member Secretary , KAWB

CC: Prachi, Secretary , AWBI

CC: CEO, FIAPO 

Annexure: Kambala Dates 2023-24

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Kambala Dates

1.     11 November, 2023              Gurupura, Mangalore

2.     18 November, 202                Kakyapadavu, Bantwala, Mangalore

3.     25 November, 2023              Palace Grounds, Bengaluru

4.     02 December, 2023              Moodubidire, Mangalore

5.     09 December, 2023              Baaradi beedu, Karkala, Udupi

6.     17 December, 2023              Naringana , Bantwala(Near Deralakatte)

7.     23 December, 2023              Mulki Arasu, Mangalore

8.     30 December, 2023              Mangalore Bangrakooluru

9.     06 January, 2024                   Miyaru, Karkala, Udupi

10.   13 January, 2024                   Hokkadigoli, near Venoor, Mangalore 

11.   20 January, 2024                   Adve Nandikooru, Padubidri, Udupi

12.   27 January, 2024                   Putturu, Mangalore

13.   03 February, 2024                 Aikala, Kinnigoli, Mangalore

14.   10 February, 2024                 Jeppu(Jeppina Mogaru), Mangalore

15.   17 February, 2024                 Vamanjoor, Mangalore

16.   24 February, 2024                 Katapadi, Udupi

17.   02 March, 2024                      Bantwala, Mangalore

18.   09 March, 2024                      Bangadi, Belthangady, Mangalore

19.   06 March, 2024                      Venur, Karkala, Udupi

20.   23 March, 2024                      Uppinangadi, Mangalore

21.   30 March, 2024                      Panapila, Mangalore (Near Karkala)

22.   06 April, 2024                          Balkunje, Mangalore