Bengaluru, July 11 (IANS) The Karnataka government’s proposal to organise the traditional coastal sport Kambala during the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations has sparked a controversy, setting the stage for a confrontation between the state government and the Mysuru royal family.

While Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has indicated that the government is considering new cultural programmes as part of the festival, the royal family, BJP leaders and several civil society groups have opposed the move, arguing that it would alter the unique traditions of Mysuru Dasara.

The state government has announced that Nada Habba Dasara-2026 will be celebrated on a grand scale over 11 days despite drought conditions in the state. The proposed inclusion of Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka that gained nationwide popularity following the success of the “Kantara Chapter – 1” film, has, however, drawn sharp criticism.

Reacting to the proposal on Saturday, Mysuru royal scion and BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar said he had categorically opposed the idea during the high-power committee meeting.

“I have clearly said ‘no’ to Kambala in the meeting. Dasara has its own cultural background, while Kambala has a different tradition. The sentiments of the people of Mysuru are clear. Organising Kambala during Dasara would amount to going against the wishes of the people of Mysuru,” Yaduveer said.

He further alleged that the Congress government had repeatedly ignored public sentiment.

“The government has acted against the wishes of the people on several occasions. We are not against Kambala as a sport. Our stand is only that Kambala should not be held as part of the Mysuru Dasara celebrations,” he said.

Referring to reports that Congress MLA Ashok Rai had supported the proposal, Yaduveer said the legislator had neither discussed the issue with him nor owed him any explanation.

“They need not explain it to me. Instead, they should focus on conducting the existing Dasara events efficiently. Celebrate Dasara in its present format and preserve its traditions,” he added.

Yaduveer also urged the government to abolish the pass system for Dasara events, saying it diverted attention from the actual organisation of the festival.

“I have requested the government to completely do away with the pass system. Everyone becomes focused on securing passes instead of ensuring the smooth conduct of the celebrations. Dasara should be celebrated meaningfully rather than merely making it grand. At the same time, farmers and the public should not be inconvenienced,” he said.

Former BJP MP Pratap Simha stated that the government should not go against the wishes of the royal family as Dasara is a traditional and cultural festival and customs should not be overlooked.

Responding to questions about the proposed changes to this year’s festival, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government was examining various suggestions before taking a final decision.

“We will review all the traditions and customs followed in our state. Several suggestions have been received, and we will examine their merits and demerits before taking a decision. Proposals have been made to organise performances by internationally renowned singers, hold sporting events, and conduct celebrations in accordance with Hindu traditions. This is not a decision that D.K. Shivakumar alone will take. A final decision will be made after discussions with all my colleagues,” he said.

Opposition to the proposal has also come from social activists and heritage conservationists.

Social activist Snehamayi Krishna on Saturday wrote to the Chief Minister urging the government not to include Kambala in the Dasara celebrations. Instead, he suggested that funds earmarked for creating Kambala infrastructure should be utilised to support poor traditional artistes who walk long distances to perform during the Jamboo Savari procession.

Ahead of the Dasara High-Power Committee meeting, representatives of several organisations also appealed to the government to drop the proposal, citing the prevailing drought situation.

Farmer leader Badagalapura Nagendra, Parashuramegowda of ‘Parisarakkaagi Naavu’, heritage expert Prof. N.S. Rangaraju (Retd), environmentalist Bhanu Mohan, Ma Gu Sadananda and Bettaiah Kote warned that they would launch a major protest if the government failed to withdraw the proposal within a week.

Despite the opposition, the Chief Minister announced that Nada Habba Dasara-2026 would be celebrated in a grand manner over 11 days with several new programmes showcasing Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.

Following the preliminary meeting on Dasara-2026 held at the Vidhana Soudha on Friday, Shivakumar announced that Gaja Puja would be held on August 26 at 10 a.m. The official inauguration of Dasara has been scheduled for October 11 at 11.50 a.m. The traditional Jamboo Savari and Nandi Puja will take place on October 21 at 1.30 p.m., followed by the Pushparchane (floral offering) for the Jamboo Savari at 4.10 p.m.

The government has maintained that the festival will incorporate new programmes while preserving Karnataka’s cultural traditions. However, whether Kambala ultimately becomes part of Mysuru Dasara is expected to be decided after further consultations within the government and the Dasara High-Power Committee.

–IANS

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