The Karnataka Tourism Department has sanctioned ₹1.15 crore [1] to support 23 kambala events in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts [1].
This funding aims to preserve and promote traditional buffalo racing festivals, which are central to the cultural identity of India's coastal regions. By providing direct financial support to organizers, the state seeks to ensure the sustainability of these heritage events.
According to sanction orders issued July 14 [1], the department is allocating ₹5 lakh [1, 2] to each of the 23 kambala organizers [1, 2]. The funds are intended to assist with the logistical and operational requirements of the races.
Distribution of the money will be managed through the Deputy Commissioners [1]. These officials head the district tourism development committees responsible for overseeing the disbursement of the sanctioned amounts [1].
The initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster tourism in the coastal belt by highlighting local customs. The government said that this is not a one-time investment, as more funds have been promised in the 2026-27 budget [5].
Kambala is a traditional annual buffalo race held in the paddy fields of coastal Karnataka. The events typically draw large crowds and serve as a community gathering that celebrates the agricultural roots of the region.
“The Karnataka Tourism Department has sanctioned ₹1.15 crore to support 23 kambala events”
The allocation of state funds to kambala events signals a strategic shift toward integrating indigenous folk sports into the official tourism economy. By institutionalizing financial support through Deputy Commissioners, the Karnataka government is formalizing the relationship between traditional rural practices and state-led tourism development, ensuring these events remain viable against modern economic pressures.
