What is Kambala?
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Kambala is an annual traditional Buffalo Race (he-buffalo) held in coastal districts of Karnataka to entertain rural people of the area.
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Slushy/marshy paddy field track is used for Kambala.
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The sports season generally starts in November and lasts till March.
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The contest generally takes place between two pairs of buffaloes, each pair race in two separate wet rice fields tracks, controlled by a whip-lashing farmer.
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In the traditional form of Kambala, buffalo racing is non-competitive and buffalo pairs run one by one in paddy fields.
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Besides, there is also ritualistic approach also as some agriculturists race their he-buffaloes for thanks giving to god for protecting their animals from diseases.
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But in recent times, Kambala has become an organised rural sport.
Why in news?
The Karnataka government has decided to bring an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960 for conducting traditional sports of Kambala and bull-cart race in the State just like Tamil Nadu government did for Jallikattu. This has been approved by President thus allowing Kambala.