Sat Nov 02 22:13:05 UTC 2024: ## Kambala Returns to Pilikula After a Decade-Long Hiatus
**Mangaluru, November 2, 2024:** The traditional buffalo race, Kambala, is set to return to the Dr. Shivarama Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama after a decade-long hiatus. This decision was made at a meeting of legislators and officials on Friday, presided over by Dakshina Kannada in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
The event will take place over two days, starting November 17th. The last Kambala at Pilikula was held in December 2014 before being halted due to objections raised by PETA India, citing animal cruelty.
The meeting also decided to extend some programs of the Karavali Utsav 2024 to the Nisargadhama, aiming to attract more tourists. The event is planned for a month, starting December 14th, and will be inaugurated on the evening of December 13th.
The “kare” (double tracks) for the Kambala at Pilikula are 70% complete, according to S.R. Rashmi, Assistant Director (in-charge), Department of Tourism. Organizing the event requires ₹70 lakh, with ₹5 lakh already sanctioned by MLC Manjunath Bhandary.
The Deputy Commissioner, M.P. Mullai Muhilan, has proposed utilizing the cultural village and urban hatt at the Nisargadhama to host Karavali Utsav programs, attracting tourists to Pilikula.
However, concerns remain regarding the impact of Kambala on the animals at the Pilikula Biological Park, situated within the Nisargadhama. H. Jayaprakash Bhandary, director of the park, wrote to the Deputy Commissioner in September expressing concerns about the safety of captive animals due to the noise and potential stress caused by the event. He has also requested the declaration of a 500-meter radius around the zoo as a silent zone.
The Deputy Commissioner has acknowledged the petition filed in the Karnataka High Court against organizing Kambala at Pilikula and stated he will look into the matter. A committee comprising elected representatives and officials will be formed to oversee the organization of the event.
First Piper 