Kambala, the traditional buffalo race, will make its first appearance at the Dasara festivities in Mysuru this year, according to Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru G. Lakshmikanth Reddy.

Though there was a proposal to hold Kambala during the 2025 Dasara festival in Mysuru, the event could not be conducted due to the lack of a suitable venue.

Participating in a meeting at Mysuru Zilla Panchayat on Saturday, Mr. Reddy said preparations for the festival had begun three months in advance this year and the Kambala will be organised as a special attraction during this year’s Dasara festival in Mysuru.

Three potential locations have been identified for the event — Vijayanagar First Stage, Vijayanagar Fourth Stage, and a site along the Sathagalli Ring Road in Mysuru city. “One of these locations will be selected for the event”, Mr. Reddy said.

A minimum of seven acres of land is required for organising Kambala.

While selecting the venue, factors such as parking facilities, spectator galleries, accommodation for buffaloes, and space for organisers should be taken into consideration, he said.

As part of the Dasara festivities, the Chief Executive Officer of the zilla panchayat will be appointed as the nodal officer for the sub-committee overseeing the Kambala event, he added.

Among those present at the meeting were Mysuru Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Yukesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, General Secretary of the Karnataka State Kambala Association Vijay Kumar, Bengaluru Kambala Working President Muralidhar Rai and others.