Naringana Kambalotsava led by Speaker U T Khader on January 10

Mangaluru: The fourth edition of the Lava Kusha Jodukare Naringana Kambalotsava, organised under the aegis of the Naringana Kambala Samithi led by Legislative Assembly Speaker and Mangalore MLA U T Khader, will be held at the Morla Bola ground in Naringana on January 10.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil, and Labour Minister Santhosh Lad will participate in the evening stage programme.

"Kambala is a traditional sport that brings people from all communities together and promotes communal harmony," he told media people. He noted that a record 265 pairs of buffaloes participated in the event last year. This year, the organising committee expects around 210 to 215 pairs of buffaloes to take part.

The Kambala race will be inaugurated by Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji of Odiyoor Sri Gurudevadatta Samsthanam, while Dr M Mohan Alva, president of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri, will light the ceremonial lamp. Naringana Gram Panchayat president Nawaz Naringana will preside over the function.

Kambala Samithi working president Prashanth Kajava Mithakodi said the number of buffalo pairs has reduced this year as the sub-junior category has been discontinued. As per the decision of the State Kambala Samithi and government guidelines, sub-junior events will no longer be held.

Competitions will be conducted in Kane Halage, Adda Halage, Hagga (senior and junior), and Negilu (senior and junior) categories. Along with first and second prizes, the organisers will also award third and fourth prizes along with trophies.

Winners of the Hagga senior category will receive two pavan gold along with a trophy, while the Negilu senior category winner will be awarded one-and-a-half pavan gold.

First prize winners in other categories will receive one pavan gold each. Third and fourth prize winners will be awarded quarter pavan gold and trophies.

A special highlight of the event is that owners of all participating buffaloes will be honoured with silver medals and trophies. All winning Kambala jockeys will receive certificates and cash awards, he added.

He said spectator galleries have been set up on both sides of the 125-metre-long Kambala track to ensure an unobstructed view for the audience.

"There are plans to prepare Kambala buffaloes in the name of Speaker UT Khader for the next Kambala season. The proposal is currently under consideration, and further steps will be taken if approval is received from the Speaker," said Prashanth.

Naringana Gramotsava

Assembly Speaker said a special Naringana Gramotsava will be organised on January 12 under the auspices of the Naringana Gram Panchayat. The programme will feature a Sneha Sammelana, talent awards, cultural performances by renowned district artistes, and sports competitions for men and women.

Events such as tug of war, passing the ball, throwing the ball into a bucket, banana-eating contest, treasure hunt in the Kambala kare, musical chairs, 100-metre and 200-metre races, lemon-and-spoon race, and other competitions will be conducted separately for men and women.n