About Kambala

ಕಂಬಳ

00 days

Happy Kambala
ಕಂಬಳದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು

153 wishes · 2 languages · Updated October 2026

About Kambala

Kambala is the buffalo race of Tulu Nadu, the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka. Pairs of buffaloes race down long tracks of water and mud in paddy fields, guided by a runner who keeps pace behind them.

It began as a farmers' thanksgiving after the harvest, an offering to the gods for good crops and healthy animals. The races are held from November to April, with a different village or town hosting each one, often over a day and a night.

Owners care for their buffaloes all year. They are bathed in the river, oiled, given special feed and treated as the pride of the family. Races come in kinds such as Negilu, with a light plough, Hagga, with a rope, and Kane Halage, where a plank sends up a tall splash of water.

Most races use twin tracks, called Jodukere, so two pairs run side by side. Drums, bright decorations and food stalls turn each race into a village fair, and the season ends with prizes for the fastest pairs.

How people celebrate Kambala

Twin tracks of water and mud in paddy fields
Buffaloes bathed, oiled and decorated
Negilu, Hagga and Kane Halage races
Drums and village fairs
Prizes for the fastest pairs
Thanking the gods for the harvest

How to wish well

Send wishes when your village or town hosts its Kambala, or when the season opens in November.
"Kambalada Shubhashayagalu" is a simple Kannada wish.
Praise the buffaloes, their owners and the spirit of Tulu Nadu.

Questions about Kambala

When is Kambala 2026?

Kambala is a season, from November to April. The 2026-27 coastal season opens on 7 November 2026, with a race in a different place most weekends after that.

What is Kambala?

A traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, run in twin tracks of water and mud in paddy fields, with a runner guiding each pair.

Where is Kambala held?

In Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka, the Tulu Nadu region, in villages and towns such as Moodbidri, Puttur, Mulki and Bantwal.

What are the kinds of Kambala races?

Negilu with a light plough, Hagga with a rope, Adda Halage with a flat plank and Kane Halage, where a plank with holes throws up a tall splash of water.

Why is Kambala held?

It began as a thanksgiving by farmers after the harvest, praying to the gods for good crops and healthy animals.

What do you say on Kambala?

Say "Happy Kambala" or, in Kannada, "ಕಂಬಳದ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು".