Namma Kambala Buffalo Race debuts in Bengaluru: Here's all about it

Namma Kambala buffalo race is making its debut in Bengaluru this year. It is all set to take place at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru from Friday to Sunday. Originating from coastal Karnataka, the traditional buffalo race deeply ingrained in Tulunadu's local culture promises a unique fusion of tradition and excitement, drawing participants and spectators alike to its debut in Bengaluru.

Anticipated to feature over 100 pairs of buffaloes from the coastal region, the first competitive Kambala, or slush track buffalo race, will unfold on the extended 155m 'kare' (slush track) at the Palace Grounds, surpassing the standard 145m track. The venue is well-equipped with essential facilities, including a dedicated gallery for spectators, numerous stalls, and ample parking. Organizers are exploring the implementation of a fully automated time (FAT) system, complete with a photo finish for Kambala.

As the excitement builds for this cultural extravaganza, the Bengaluru Traffic Police has issued advisories for commuters, urging them to steer clear of specific roads during the three-day event starting Friday. The affected routes include:


Palace Road: Mysore Bank Circle to Vasanthnagar underpass
MV Jayaram Road: BDA junction, Palace Road-Chakravarthi Layout-Vasanthnagar underpass-Old Udaya TV junction (both directions)
Ballari Road: Mehkri Circle to LRDE junction
Cunningham Road: Balekundri junction to Le Meridien underpass
Millers Road: Old Udaya TV junction to LRDE junction
Jayamahal Road and surrounding roads of Bengaluru Palace
Furthermore, heavy vehicles are prohibited on these routes from 7 am to noon and from 3 pm to 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Parking restrictions are in place for Palace Road, MV Jayaram Road, Vasanthnagar Road, Jayamahal Road, CV Raman Road, Ballari Road, Ramana Maharshi Road, Nandidurga Road, and Mount Carmel College Road. Instead, attendees are encouraged to park at Krishna Vihar (Gate no. 1) and Tripuravasini (Gate no. 2).

Additionally, Kempegowda International Airport advises travelers to plan their journeys well in advance, considering potential delays due to heavy traffic from the city to the airport throughout the three-day event. Commuters are urged to stay informed by checking with their respective airlines for alerts and updates.