Row Erupts Over Mysuru Dasara: MP Yaduveer Wadiyar Opposes Government’s Plan to Include Kambala

By Political Bureau, Bangalore Mail

MYSURU: The Karnataka government’s ambitious proposal to introduce the coastal folk sport of Kambala (traditional buffalo racing) into the world-famous Mysuru Dasara celebrations has hit a major roadblock.

Mysuru-Kodagu Member of Parliament (MP) and titular head of the erstwhile Mysore Royal Family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, has strongly objected to the move, urging the state government and the Dasara High-Power Committee to reconsider their plans.

The inclusion of the coastal event has sparked a wider cultural debate, drawing sharp criticism from heritage experts, environmentalists, and local citizen groups alike.

‘Preserve the Sanctity of Regional Traditions’

Expressing his concerns on social media platforms and in media briefings, MP Yaduveer Wadiyar emphasized that Kambala is a deeply sacred tradition that cannot be viewed purely through the lens of commercialization or casual entertainment.

“Kambala is a most sacred tradition with centuries of history, deeply intertwined with the soil, culture, and lives of the people of coastal Karnataka. It possesses its own profound traditional and religious values, and it should not be viewed merely through the lens of commercialisation or entertainment in a way that diminishes its dignity,” Yaduveer stated.

The MP argued that separating a unique, region-specific practice from its native soil carries the distinct risk of undermining its intrinsic sanctity. He suggested that instead of converting local religious traditions into mere “exhibitions,” the state should support them within their original geographical boundaries.

Internal Failures: Fix Dasara First, Says Wadiyar

Beyond the cultural mismatch, Yaduveer pointed out severe logistical and administrative gaps in how the current Dasara celebrations are being managed by the state government. He noted that the district administration faces numerous challenges every year that demand immediate resolution.

Key Issues Highlighted by the MP:

• Administrative Shortcomings: Ongoing confusion regarding event schedules, ticketing, and internal coordination.

• Infrastructural Deficiencies: Issues managing venue setups, especially for crowd-pullers like Yuva Dasara and the Food Festival.

• Systemic Challenges: Rectifying repetitive errors that compromise the dignity of the Nada Habba (State Festival).

“The State Government and the Dasara High Power Committee must first accord greater priority to resolving these internal challenges before considering the inclusion of new attractions,” Yaduveer added.

Growing Civil Backlash in Mysuru

The royal scion is not alone in his opposition. Former Mysuru MP Pratap Simha and several city-based progressive organizations have voiced similar concerns. Environmentalists and citizen action committees have pointed out that Mysuru Dasara must remain rooted in its historic tradition, especially during times when parts of the state deal with resource management issues.

While the Kambala Committee Chairman and Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai had already inspected potential venues—tentatively shortlisting a 23-acre plot at Sathagalli—the swelling political and public resistance ensures that the inclusion of the coastal sport will remain a highly contentious topic in the days leading up to the October festivities.