The Aikalabava Kanthabare-Boodabare Jodukare Kambala at Aikala village in Mangaluru taluk of Dakshina Kannada will mark its golden jubilee this year. The traditional slush-track buffalo race will be held this year on February 7 and February 8.

Addressing press persons here on Monday, Belapu Deviprasad Shetty, president, Aikalabava Kanthabare-Boodabare Kambala Samithi, said preparations are underway to organise the event, where they plan to combine tradition and modernity. "This year, we intend to make the Kambala a community festival, encompassing religious, social, sports, and health-related activities, with participation from several neighbouring villages," he said.

Mr. Shetty, who is also the president of Karnataka State Kambala Association, claimed that the Kambla has about 400 to 500 years of history. Earlier, it was being held on a single 'kare' (track). The 'jodu kare' (double track) Kambala started 50 years ago, marking its golden jubilee this year.

The Kambala is held in honour of the twin local deities Kanthabare and Boodabare, who are spiritually revered. The event has deep spiritual roots and is linked to the deities' historical association with the land. To mark the golden jubilee, the Nagalaya and Brahmasthana shrines will be renovated, along with the installation of new stone sanctums for associated deities. A Brahmakalashotsava and reinstallation ceremony for the Aikalabava Dharma Chavadi deities will also take place, he said.

The Aikkalotsava celebrations will commence on February 3 and continue till February 8, featuring daily religious rituals, cultural events, and community feasts. On the evening of February 6, the Yakshagana troupe of Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple will stage 'Yakshagana Sri Devi Mahatme'.

The Kare Muhurta (track ritual) will be held on February 7 at 8 a.m., followed by the commencement of races. The Kambala will be inaugurated at 9.30 a.m. on the same day.

M.N. Rajendra Kumar, chairman of SCDCC Bank, will be conferred the title 'Pratishthita Kambala Ratna' in recognition of his contribution to the co-operative sector, in the evening function on February 7.

All buffalo owners participating in the races will be felicitated. Winners will receive gold and cash prizes, and special awards will be presented to semi-finalists and participants in the Kana Halage category, Mr. Shetty said.

The organisers have emphasised strict adherence to time schedules and fair judgement during the races.

Aikalabava Kanthabare-Boodabare Jodukare Kambala to celebrate golden jubilee this year