Scores of spectators cheer on competitors in India's traditional "kambala" buffalo race on Saturday (December 22)

This race took place on a slush track buffalo race in Bantwal district in southwest Karnataka state.

According to some reports, kambala began as long as five centuries ago. The sport started up again in 2017 after being banned by local authorities on the grounds of it being cruel to animals.

Local media reported in September that animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India filed a fresh petition in the Supreme Court of India seeking a ban on kambala.

Inaugurating the event and giving his good wishes, Asranna Krishna Prasad Acharya chief priest of Shree Kshetra Poonja, said, "May this Kambala, which is the devotion of the agriculturists be held without any hassles. This Kambala has a religious connection to the temple,"

The festival was organized on 22 December in Bantwal, Karnataka India.

Kambala is celebrated in Karnataka & jallikattu is celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

The chief guest of the event, said, "Certain reforms have been made in Kambala event because of the amendment to the law. The organizers of the Kambala and the owners of the buffaloes taking part in the event have to abide by the rules and cooperate in saving our culture and Kambala,"
Last year the highest court put restrictions on certain rituals to avoid cruelty of Animals.