“No Kambala in Mysuru Dasara”: Royal Family and Environmentalists Strongly Oppose Government’s Move Over Heritage and Ecological Concerns! Mysuru Dasara Kambala Controversy

Mysuru: Mysuru Dasara Kambala Controversy ; The Karnataka government’s plan to introduce ‘Kambala’—the traditional coastal buffalo race—into the world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival for the first time in history has snowballed into a major political and cultural controversy. Local leaders, the royal family, and environmental groups are up in arms, demanding the event be dropped to protect Dasara’s heritage.

MP Yaduveer Wadiyar Leads the Opposition:

Expressing strong reservations during the high-level Dasara meeting, Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar stated that while they respect the coastal folk sport, it shouldn’t be imposed on Mysuru. “Mysuru Dasara has a distinct religious and historical essence. We must not commercialize it or dilute its traditions. Kambala belongs to the coast and should be celebrated there,” Yaduveer asserted, backed by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

Ecological Damage Sparks Outrage:

Adding to the cultural dispute, environmentalists have raised severe concerns over the venue preparations. Reportedly, over 150 fully grown trees face the axe, and a 6-acre natural lake is being leveled with mud to construct the Kambala track. Citizens are calling out the government for causing permanent ecological damage for a mere two-day event.