Bengaluru: The Highly anticipated ‘Bengaluru Kambala, Namma Kambala’ event kicked off in the city on Saturday, featuring the popular cultural Tulunadu sport 'Kambala' (Buffalo Race) and various other cultural programs. The two-day event being held at the Palace Grounds witnessed a large turnout, not only by people hailing from Karavali region, but also from other parts of the city.

In the meantime, the Kambala committee is also expecting people’s participation in more numbers on the event’s last day, on Sunday. This year’s Kambala season started from ‘Kakkepadavu Kambala’ in Bantwal.

Residents who have been away from their hometowns in coastal regions expressed joy at the opportunity to witness their traditional sport in Bengaluru. “We used to witness such events during our childhood days in our village, after coming to Bengaluru we had no much chance of watching the sport. However, for the first time we get to witness our land’s sport here in Bengaluru,” says Sunita who has been residing in Bengaluru for the past few years and hails from Udupi.

Another attendee, who works at a private firm in the city, states that the event gives a “Mini Tulunadu vibe.”

Meanwhile, jockey (Kambala Runner) of the Pannolibail Bandarada Mane team, expressed that, “I was nervous initially, since we were coming outside our region for the first time. However, me and my team are excited for the race. This should also continue for the years to come.”

Another jockey of the Sullia team, called the event a ‘Mini Tulunadu’ gathering in Bengaluru.

Hemant, a UPSC aspirant from Bengaluru, who is unfamiliar with the sport, expressed happiness over the coastal cultural event being held in the capital city. “ People here are not aware about traditions of various parts of Karnataka and for that reason, such events should take place. I had read about Kambala in my school books but never witnessed it. But, today I got an opportunity. Tulunadu culture is indeed very rich,” he added.

Meantime, two tourists, Adam and Issie from England also came down to Palace Grounds to attend the Kambala, speaking to this correspondent they revealed that their hotelier informed them about the grand sport being held here. “We enjoyed the food so far, though we are not aware about the events being held we have enjoyed things here. We haven’t seen the buffaloes yet but we are excited to witness the race.”

"People of Mangaluru, Udupi, Kundapura don't go to heaven, they create heaven wherever they go.": Mimicry Dayananda

Renowned stand-up comedian, actor, and television presenter Mimicry Dayananda, performing at the 'Bengaluru Kambala, Namma Kambala' on Saturday, emphatically declared that the people of Mangaluru, Udupi, and Kundapura don't go to heaven; they create heaven wherever they go. Dayananda delighted the audience with his mimicry and humorous anecdotes.

In addition to Mimicry Dayananda's performance, popular Tulu actor Umesh Mijar and his team from the 'Bale Telipaale' show, Chennukunita, and various other traditional performances added to the cultural vibrancy of Day 1 at Bengaluru Kambala.

The two day mega sporting event is organised under the joint auspices of the Kambala Committees of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Kasaragodu districts and the Bengaluru Kambala Committee, and will come to a close on November 26, Sunday. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, popular music director Gurukiran Shetty, Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U.T Khader, Former Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa, Former Minister Sadananda Gowda and several other distinguished guests graced the event on its first day.

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Bengaluru, Oct 16: Congress general secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal on Wednesday held discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who is also the party's state President, here.

The meeting gains significance as Siddaramaiah is facing demands for his resignation from opposition parties following charges in the MUDA site allotment case.

There have also been behind-the-scenes political activities within the ruling Congress in recent weeks, with a few Ministers in Cabinet holding closed door meetings, fueling speculation about leadership change.

It has also come at a time when the party prepares for the November 13 by-polls for three Assembly seats -- Sandur, Shiggaon and Channapatna.

"Had a discussion today with AICC General Secretary (Organisation) and dear friend, @kcvenugopalmp, during his visit. Appreciative of the insights and continued support in shaping our collective efforts," Siddaramaiah posted on 'X'.

Shivakumar posted, "Had a purposeful meeting with AICC General Secretary Shri. @kcvenugopalmp alongside CM Shri. @siddaramaiah at the CM residence today, as we spoke at length about various regional and national issues."

According to some reports, the Congress high command through Venugopal had recently asked Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to end the "flutters" about the change in leadership, while expressing displeasure over statements being made by a few ministers and some of them holding separate meetings.

Earlier in the day, Shivakumar said Venugopal, who heads the Parliaments' Public Accounts Committee (PAC), is visiting the city to attend a PAC related meeting. "We will meet him in the evening... he is our leader."

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