MANGALURU: Cries for lifting the ban on Kambala — West Coast's favourite folk sport — are growing louder by the day following the Jallikattu imbroglio on the East Coast.
Kambala is not about just forcing a pair of buffaloes to run to reach the goal. It is one of the most prestigious sports which tests the talent of owners on training their buffaloes.
The owners of racing buffaloes treat them as their own family members, domesticate them by taking care of them round-the-clock and training them to participate in Kambala races.
There have been no reports of deaths or crippling injuries to any of the stakeholders. The only objection from animal lovers regarding Kambala is that the beasts are beaten up during the race and the preliminary preparations. However, recently, the Kambala organisers have stopped beating the racing animals.
MLA Abhayachandra Jain, who is also a Kambala organiser, says Kambala cannot be compared with Jallikattu of Tamil Nadu.
The buffaloes are forced to run fast only during the race. They are treated like royal members of the house. "I strongly condemn the Kambala ban," he repeats.
Theatre personality and filmmaker Vijaya Kumar Kodialbail says it is not the matter of disturbing the animals, but it is an issue of misunderstanding.
"Kambala is a different kind of sport which is not held to beat up buffaloes. It is arranged to showcase the talent of buffaloes along with their trainers. The owner honours and provides more food once the pair wins," he adds.