Pilikula Kambala postponed due to Moodushedde bypolls

Mangaluru: The Nethravathi–Phalguni Jodukare Kambala scheduled for November 17-18 at Pilikula has been postponed due to to the model code of conduct for the upcoming by-election at the Moodushedde Gram Panchayat.

The Pilikula Kambala is organised by the Dakshina Kannada district administration.

The Pilikula Kambala has been postponed due to the by-election for two seats in the Moodushedde Gram Panchayat, where the event was set to take place. Since the Kambala is organised by the district administration, it was rescheduled in compliance with the model code of conduct.

The election is scheduled for November 23, and the code of conduct will remain in effect until November 26.

Dakshina Kannada Zilla Kambala Samithi President Belapu Deviprasad Shetty said “All preparations, including the laying of Kambala track had been completed. The kare was 133 metre long. As the district administration is the organiser, we have to adhere to the model code of conduct. The committee will discuss and decide the next date for the Kambala on November 17,” Shetty told DH.

Around 150 pairs of buffaloes were expected to participate in the Kambala event, with an anticipated attendance of over 25,000 people. In fact, MLC Manjunath Bhandari had transferred Rs 5 lakh from the MLCLAD to the Nirmiti Kendra for the Kambala preparations.

The Kambala at Pilikula was organised last in 2014, which had seen 85 pairs of buffaloes taking part in it. However, it was stopped after PETA raised objections against holding all types of Kambala events citing cruelty to animals.

Shetty said “the samithi had decided to implement a new set of rules, bylaw related to discipline, maintaining timings in each category, use of sensors for accuracy and others during the Pilikula Kambala. Now, it will be implemented at Kambala at Kodange on November 23.”