Positive response to Anna-Thamma Kambala amid fear of PETA case

Kasargod: The much-awaited sporting event Anna-Thamma Jodukere Kambala finally took place amid confusions and fear regarding the PETA case, here in Paivalike, Bolangala on Sunday, December 16.

The Kambala began at 11 AM on Saturday and ended at 9 PM on Sunday.

The event was inaugurated by Maharaja Rangathrey of Paivalike Palace and the lamp was lit by Brahmashree Vasudeva Nalluraya and pontiff of Odiyoor Matt Shree Gurudevananda Swamiji.

The reason for the confusions and fear was the petition by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) restraining the sport on grounds of animal cruelity. The organisers thought that the PETA activists would intervene and stop the event on the grounds that the buffaloes were being ill-treated.

Earlier, PETA had filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police regarding torturing the buffaloes in the event.

Fortunately, the event went on smoothly this time around without ‘sticks.’

The buffaloes which took part in the race were not controlled with sticks but by hands and oral commands.

This Kambala was organised after 13-long-years for which thousands of enthusiasts were waiting.

Prior to the event from December 13 to 16, rural sports were organised.

Leaders of different communities, political leaders and local representatives too were a witness to this first-of-its-kind Kambala in the city.