Mangaluru: Preparations are in full swing for the ninth edition of Mangaluru Kambala, led by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, which will be held on Saturday at Goldfinch City, Bangrakuluru. Chowta told reporters on Wednesday, that the event will be inaugurated at 8.30 am, and aims to introduce and familiarise the younger generation with Tulu culture and traditional sports.A series of special programmes will be held to mark the ninth edition. These include a Rani Abbakka–Historical Art Exhibition, organised as part of the 500th birth anniversary of the queen, in collaboration with Prof Tukaram Poojary of the Rani Abbakka Tulu Adhyanana Kendra. To commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram, 150 students will render the song during the inaugural programme. Members of the public will be given an opportunity to participate by singing Vande Mataram and uploading their renditions online.As part of the event, nine achievers from the business sector who are strengthening the MPs ‘Back to Uru’ initiative will be honoured. Saplings will be distributed at the venue, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, encouraging people to plant a tree in their mother’s name. In keeping with its inclusive spirit, residents of old-age homes from the city will be invited to witness the kambala.The programme will also feature a ‘Rangd Koota’ painting competition across various categories, a Mangaluru Kambala 2025 Reels Contest, with prizes for reels garnering the highest views, and a Mangaluru Kambala Photography and AI Creative Edition, inviting participants to create Kambala-themed artworks using artificial intelligence, with awards for the best entries. The event will be held under the theme ‘Swachh Kambala’, with organisers making efforts to ensure minimal use of plastic.BJP state president BY Vijayendra, along with MPs and MLAs, is expected to attend the event. Around 150 to 170 buffalo pairs will participate in various categories. Buffalo owners and jockeys have been instructed to strictly adhere to the schedule to ensure the event concludes on time. The stage programme will be held in the evening, while the prize distribution ceremony is scheduled at 8 am on Sunday.
