Gurupura Gears Up for Spectacular Kambala on April 12

Mangaluru is set to host the second Muloor-Addur Jodukere Kambala festival on Saturday, April 12, in the fields near Manibettuguttu, Gurupura. Organizing Committee President Inayat Ali announced that this year's event will feature floodlights for the first time, enhancing the visual experience for spectators. Over 200 pairs of buffaloes are expected to participate in this traditional buffalo race, marking the final Kambala event in the district for the year. The festival will commence with a stage program at 6:30 pm, inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, alongside Speaker UT Khader and District In-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao. Prominent religious leaders, including Harinarayana Das Asranna of Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple, V Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa of Pompei Church, and Abdul Kabeer Darimi of Kaikamba Asraruddin Masjid, will also grace the occasion.

In addition to the Kambala races, the festival will feature a Yakshagana program titled 'Yaksha Vasundhara,' organized by the Karnataka Yakshagana Academy. This includes a tribute to the late Yakshagana teacher GT Annu Bhat, discussions on the Thenkuthittu school of Yakshagana, Talamaddale performances, and an overnight Yakshagana show. Participants will be accommodated in German-made tents, and a digital platform will be set up for the event. Each buffalo owner will be honored with a silver coin, and the star buffalo 'Dooja,' with a record 69 race victories, will receive special recognition, including a commemorative stamp released by the Postal Department.