Domesticated Herbivores

[Pckts]

Gopinath Kollur
Kambala – Our very own indigenous sport from Coastal Karnataka 

Photography is my passion and nothing less than photographing wildlife in their natural habitat makes me happy. Therefore, my calendar is mostly packed with trips across the country where in I select the national parks and sanctuaries according to the season that would provide me the best wildlife sightings. Seasons often play a spoilsport. Over the last few months, I have also experimented my photography skills and tested my limitations on various other parameters like historical monuments, religious places and off course the so very fluid waterfalls of Meghalaya.

I had been planning for a new location since last year and after making the necessary logistics arrangements, I found myself at the Mumbai airport waiting for a flight that would land me at coastal Karnataka. I was soon at Tulu Nadu, which formed from the districts of Dakshina Kannada & Udupi, holds the annual festival of KAMBALA. This five month long festival (November to March) celebrates the beginning of harvest season in the regions of coastal Karnataka. This festival involves the traditional buffalo race, a very popular & unique sports popular among the local farming communities.

History says the buffalo races originated as a sport for the royal family’s amusement or pleasure & was a form of showing gratitude to the Gods for a good harvest. In those days, the winner of the buffalo race was rewarded with a coconut but now as the indigenous game has gained popularity; medal & certificates bring in the name & fame to the winner.

The race is generally held on two muddy/slushy tracks, placed parallel to each other. These tracks are about 120 to 160mts in length & 8 to 12mts in width, depending on the space available. The racing buffaloes are trained throughout the year for the event. 130 to 140 pairs of buffaloes participate in the race & thousands of enthusiastic onlookers and supporters cheer from the sides of the track. The atmosphere becomes heavy & tensed with anticipation and excitement during the races.

I was happy to witness the event and got some fabulous shots. I am happy with the moments I could capture. Presenting the first of the few that I will post here. I feel the emotions as I look at them. Do they invoke the same in you too?
 

*This image is copyright of its original author

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