Thousands of kambala (slush-track buffalo race) enthusiasts from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala, took part in a protest march at Moodbidri in Dakshina Kannada district on Saturday, urging the need to save this traditional folk sports.

Nearly 150 pairs of buffaloes from Baindoor, Barkur, Belthangady, Puttur, Mangaluru and Kasaragod of coastal Karnataka and Kerala were taken in a procession to a kambala ground in Moodbidri (around 35 km from Mangaluru).

Organising kambala has been stayed by the High Court following a petition by animal rights activists in this regard. The court is scheduled to hear the case on January 30.

Respecting the court order, the organisers did not conduct kambala. Instead leaders from different sections of society urged the need to save this traditional folk sports of the region at a programme at the venue.

Speaking on the occasion, Shantaram Shetty, President of the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Kambala organising committee, said that kambala is the only event that unites people from all religions. The organisers did not organise the kambala event on Saturday, as they respect the sanctity of court.

Gunapala Kadamba, who has done research on kambala and who runs a kambala training academy, said that the the buffaloes and the person who handles them finish the 145-metre track within 14 seconds. In such a situation, it is practically impossible to beat buffaloes.

Navin D Padil, noted Tulu film actor, said that the animal rights activists, who are opposing the kambala today, may oppose the taming of elephants for events such as Mysuru Dasara.

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