Mangaluru: After Karnataka High Court gave green signal for conducting ‘Kambala’ (traditional slush track buffalo race) with some changes last week, a village in Karkala witnessed first ‘modified Kambala without any form of cruelty.’
Without the usage of customary whip by the jockeys, Kambala was held in the presence of government officials, who videographed the entire event for documentation. Over 130 pairs of buffalo took part in the event.
This is the first major Kambala being organized after Dakshina Kannada and Udupi district administrations imposed ban the traditional sport, citing the order of the National Animal Welfare Board, which quoted the verdict of Supreme Court.
Soorya Chandra who organized Kambala here said that it was part of a socio-relgiour practice. “We have banned the usage of whips to stop any form of cruelty to the animals”, he said.
In his inaugural address, N.M Rajendra Kumar said that Kambala is part of Tulunadu tradition. It’s good to adopt changes according to the times. He said that Kambala did not showcase cruelty to animals.
Tahashildar Raghavendra and ASP Annamalai were among other government representatives present at the event.
