Tulu Nadu heritage, Kambala to be showcased at Mysuru Dasara

Mangaluru: The government will showcase the cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka at this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations, with a dedicated Tulu Nadu tableau and a display of the traditional buffalo race, Kambala, featuring in the Vijayadashami procession on October 21.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the initiative while speaking to the media in Mangaluru on Thursday, on his arrival to participate in the city’s Dasara celebrations.

The inclusion of Tulu Nadu’s cultural traditions is aimed at highlighting the region’s distinct identity and heritage before a wider audience during the state’s flagship cultural festival. The Vijayadashami procession is expected to provide an opportunity for people from across Karnataka to witness the traditions of the coastal region.

Officials have noted that the inclusion of traditional practices and indigenous sporting events in Dasara celebrations has historical precedents dating back to the Vijayanagara era. Karnataka’s Naadahabba, or state festival, has long served as a platform to bring together the diverse cultural traditions of the state.

This year’s procession will also feature disciplined contingents from the armed forces participating in the march-past. Another major attraction will be the royal golden Howdah, to be carried by a newly inducted Dasara elephant bearing the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

The inclusion of Kambala and the Tulu Nadu tableau is expected to add a distinctive coastal flavour to the annual celebrations, underscoring Karnataka’s cultural diversity and regional heritage.

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M Raghuram

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