Kadri Kambala rekindles folk glory

safia@coastaldigest.com (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar)
December 2, 2012
Mangalore, December 2: The glory of Mangalore's historic tradition came alive once again at the slushy field near Manjunatha temple at Kadri during annual 'Kambala' on Sunday.

Events like 'kesarugadde ota', 'tug-of-war', twin-track buffalo slush track race, 'teppangai' and a treasure hunt competition were held for men and women prior to the actual Kambla.

A distinct feature of Kadri Kambala is that it will begin in the afternoon and end before sunset. Many other Kambalas in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts begin in the afternoon, go on throughout night and sometimes continue till the next noon.

Without doubt, the buffaloes were the stars of the show. Throughout the morning, pairs of buffaloes appeared at the venue, escorted by their drivers. The buffaloes had been washed and adorned with leaves and tinsel.

Before being sent into the field, they were first worshipped at the home of Navaneeth and Bhaskar Shetty, sons of the late Balakrishna Shetty, who belonged to the Kadri “Guthu” family.

As soon as each pair of buffaloes appeared, the cheerleaders, consisting of drummers and persons playing various musical instruments, welcomed them noting their arrival.

The pairs of buffaloes plunged into the slush and were made to run the entire length of the field, along with one accompanying the driver. It was clearly a challenge for the beast and its master. As they emerged out of the field, which had slush up to the knees, the crowd parted to allow the buffaloes their way.

The historical Kadri Kambla of Sri Manjunateshwara of Sri Kshetra Kadri kicked off here on Sunday under the guidance of Mahantaras Sri Sandhyanath of Kadri Sri Yogishwara Mutt.H

istorical records showed that Kadri Kambala was originally organised under the patronage of the kings of the Alupa dynasty.

Hence it is also known as Arasu Kambala. Since it is being held near the Kadri Manjunatha Swamy temple, it is also known as Devara Kambala.

Kambla is being held in three categories - kana halage, hagga hiriya, and haga kiriya. Owners of buffaloes winning the race will get a gold medal.

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