Scores of locals in this part of Karnataka state in India enjoyed traditional buffalo races today (November 30th).

The footage, which was filmed near Uli village in the Dakshina Kannada district, shows the animals racing down muddy tracks to the finish line.

Buffalo race tracks are between 120 and 160 metres long and between 8 and 12 metres wide.

The origins of the event are unclear but it is thought to have been celebrated by farming communities for hundreds of years.

Kambala is an annual festival celebrated in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The festival involves the traditional buffalo race, a popular and unique sport among the farming community of the state.
This yearly event Kambala (Buffalo race) of ‘Sathya Dharma’ was organised at Kakkapadavu Myra Bharkajaalu, near Uli village, in Bantwal taluk Karnataka.The event is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervour in the most parts Dakshina Kannada including Mangalore.
The buffalo race is held on 2 muddy tracks that are placed parallel to each other. The racing tracks are normally about 120 to 160 metres in length and 8 to 12 metres in width, depending on the space available. The tracks are ploughed into a muddy field that is made slushy with water. Traditionally there used to be just one track. But now 2 tracks are used for the race, though in some areas the tradition of a single track is still followed.
The origin of the Kambala celebration can be traced back to more than a thousand years. During the early days of the festival it was known as Karaga celebrations. Later it came to be known as Kambala celebrations. There are different beliefs regarding the origin of the festival
According to one belief, Kambala is a festival that originated in the farming community of Karnataka. The festival is dedicated to Lord Kadri Manjunatha, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
It was celebrated to please the Gods for a good harvest. It was also a form of entertainment or recreational sport for the farming community. The winner of the buffalo race was rewarded with a coconut and such other things.
Filmed & DOP By : DURGESH KUMAR YELLAPPA
Megha India Photo Agency (Mipanews.com)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India