BJP’s Vijayendra opposes plan to include Kambala in Mysuru Dasara celebrations

Mysuru (Karnataka), Jul 11 (PTI) Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra on Saturday lent his voice in opposition to the state government's reported proposal to organise Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of the coastal region, as part of this year's Mysuru Dasara celebrations. Several organisations and leaders, such as Mysuru royal family scion and MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, have opposed the proposal, arguing that Kambala is incompatible with the heritage, cultural identity and religious significance of the Dasara festival. “Mysuru Dasara has its own speciality and tradition. Any government that comes to power should preserve and grow its speciality and uniqueness. Mysore MP Wadiyar has already raised the issue,” Vijayendra said. Speaking to reporters, he said, “The sanctity of Mysuru Dasara should be preserved. Taking such decisions without any discussion is not right. This should not be taken as a prestige issue. I appeal to Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to ensure that the sanctity of Dasara is not disturbed.” Stating that Kambala, too, has its own uniqueness, Vijayendra said the government should take the initiative to organise Kambala in the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada in a grand way, and that there would be no objection to it. “Kambala is an integral part of Dakshina Kannada's culture; let it be organised in a grand manner in the district. We have no objections to it,” he said. Stating further that Mysuru Dasara should be held as it has been in the past, the BJP chief said the chief minister has the responsibility to preserve the culture and tradition of the state and should do so. “We too will ensure that it is preserved,” he said. Chief Minister Shivakumar on Friday said this year's Mysuru Dasara will be celebrated grandly over 11 days, with several new programmes reflecting the state's diverse cultural traditions. He also ruled out scaling down Dasara due to the drought-like situation in the state. The chief minister on Friday chaired a preliminary meeting on Dasara 2026, which is celebrated as the ‘Nada Habba’ (state festival). According to the schedule, the Dasara inauguration is set for October 11 at 11.50 am; the world-famous ‘Jamboo Savari’ — a procession of about a dozen caparisoned elephants carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the presiding deity of Mysuru and its royals, on a 750-kg howdah or ‘Ambari’ covered with gold — will take place on October 21. Wadiyar, speaking to reporters separately, said that during Dasara, priority has to be given to the successful organisation of the festival transparently, without any hassles. “On Kambala, I have said that Mysuru respects the coastal culture, its traditions and its sport, but our question is: why during Dasara? Adding it merely as a new attraction or exhibition is unnecessary. I have conveyed this to the government and requested the chief minister to cancel the plan,” he said. Mysuru will join hands in organising a grand Kambala in the coastal region itself, he said, adding, “We respect Kambala as a cultural sport and for the traditional significance it has.” Pointing out that the administration is unable to organise existing programmes during Mysuru Dasara effectively, the MP asked, “Why do you want to add Kambala and showcase your failure?” He said he was only voicing the opinion expressed by the people. “The government should go by the opinion of the people,” he added. PTI SSK