Essence of Tulunadu thrills kids

Children squealed with delight when buffaloes charged in the marshy water at the Kambla organised as a part of Srujanotsav at Pilikula on Tuesday.

The non-competitive, demonstrative Kambala was held to introduce the essence of Tulunadu to the young participants from various parts of India. As many as 10 pair of buffaloes participated in the race which was held in two marshy tracks in front of Guthu Mane at Pilikula.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Bernard D’Souza from Gurupura said that he has participated in many Kambalas but this will be the memorable one, as it was performed for children. D’Souza and his pair of buffaloes Pandu and Raja have participated in many Kambalas since two years. “I feed them 2 kg horse gram in morning and evening. I also give them a hot water bath and massage,” says D’Souza.

Naveen Chandra Alva has brought his priced buffaloes Raja and Gopala which won him the gold medal at Kambala organised at Moodbidri recently.

“I spend Rs 800 everyday for the pair of buffaloes. They are reared only for the Kambla purpose. Participating in Kambala is a matter of prestige,” he says.One could sense a feeling of unity and religious harmony as four Kambala participants were Christians, two were Muslims and the rest were Hindus.

“I loved the Kambala. It was entertaining as well as refreshing. It gives us a village feel, which is a rare experience for the children who live in city. I had heard about it but I saw it for the first time,” said Namrata from Mysore Bal Bhavan.

However, Shilpa from Maharashtra was not happy with what she saw. “The riders beat the buffaloes. It is wrong to seek pleasure by torturing animals,” she said.