Kambala – The Buffalo Race
What is Kambala?
Kambala race is annual buffalo race held in coastal Karnataka every year. While most of these races fall in Avibhajitha Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore and Udupi), there are one or two races that happen in Bengaluru and Shivamogga too.
Buffaloes are raced in pairs, held together with ploughs and ropes. These buffaloes are grown with the intention of racing. The Supreme Court of India has specified regulations, so that these buffaloes are unharmed.
Categories of Kambala Race
Kambala has 6 categories.
1. Negilu Hiriya (Plough – Senior): This introductory category for buffalo races uses lighter ploughs to tie the animals together. Think of it as a gentle start for young buffaloes! In Tulu it is called Naayer malla.
2. Negilu Kiriya (Plough – Junior): Similar to Negilu Hiriya but for younger or lighter buffaloes. In Tulu it is called Naayer elliya.
3. Hagga Hiriya (Rope – Senior): Jockeys hold on tight as they race their buffaloes side-by-side, connected only by a rope. No fancy saddles here, just pure grit and determination! In Tulu it is called Balluda malla.
4. Hagga Kiriya (Rope – Junior): The junior version of the rope category, featuring younger buffaloes. In Tulu it is called Balluda elliya.
5. Adda Halage (Standing on Plank): In this exciting twist, the jockeys don’t chase after the buffaloes – they stand on a horizontal plank that the buffaloes drag through the mud! It’s a test of balance and bravery as the buffaloes pull the plank, and the higher the water splashes from the track, the better! In Tulu it is called Adda palai.
6. Kane Halage (Splashing Plank): This unique category features a wooden plank with holes attached to the buffaloes. As the animals race through the mud, water gushes out of the holes, creating a spectacular water show. The jockey who gets the highest splash wins the race! In Tulu it is called Kane palai. The water splash height expected in the race is 6.5 to 7.5 feet.
Kambala Dates 2025 and 2026
Kambala race has been the center of attraction for photographers and tourists visiting Mangalore or Udupi. Here is the official list of the upcoming Kambala events in Dakshina Kannada for 2025 and 2026.
Note: Kambala dates for 2026–2027 are yet to be announced. The table below will be updated once confirmed.
The complete Kambala calendar for the 2025–2026 season is listed below.
| Date | Location |
|---|---|
| 15 November 2025 | Panapila, Mangalore (Near Karkala) (Junior) |
| 22 November 2025 | Kodange (Hokkadigoli) |
| 29 November 2025 | Kakkepadavu (Kakyapadavu – Most of Su From So movie scenes were shot in this village.) |
| 6 December 2025 | Hokkadigoli, near Venoor, Mangalore |
| 7 December 2025 | Ballamanja |
| 13 December 2025 | Baradi beedu, Karkala, Udupi |
| 27 December 2025 | Mangalore Bangrakooluru |
| 28 December 2025 | Mulki Arasu, Mangalore (moved from 20 Dec to 28 Dec) |
| 3 January 2026 | Miyaru |
| 10 January 2026 | Naringana, Bantwala (Near Deralakatte) |
| 17 January 2026 | Adve Nandikooru, Padubidri, Udupi |
| 24 January 2026 | Putturu, Mangalore |
| 31 January 2026 | Moodubidre, Mangalore |
| 7 February 2026 | Aikala, Kinnigoli, Mangalore |
| 14 February 2026 | Jeppu (Jeppina Mogaru), Mangalore |
| 21 February 2026 | Vamanjur, Mangalore |
| 28 February 2026 | Yermal, Udupi (Instead of Katapadi Kambala) |
| 7 March 2026 | Bantwala, Mangalore |
| 15 March 2026 | Bangadi, Belthangady, Mangalore |
| 21 March 2026 | Venoor, Karkala, Udupi |
| 28 March 2026 | Ubar Kambala, Uppinangadi, Mangalore |
| 4 April 2026 | Gurupura, Mangalore |
| 11 April 2026 | Balkunje, Mangalore |
| 18 April 2026 | Harekala, Mangalore |
| 25 April 2026 | Badagabettu, Udupi |
Sampradaya Kambala Dates
Note: The Sampradaya Kambala dates listed below are from the 2025 season. Dates for 2026 are yet to be decided and will be updated once announced.
| Date | Day | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 21 November 2025 | Friday | Hokkadi |
| 23 November 2025 | Sunday | Ullur, Moodur |
| 25 November 2025 | Tuesday | Kode |
| 26 November 2025 | Wednesday | Hennaje |
| 27 November 2025 | Thursday | Ellur, Yedapadavu |
| 28 November 2025 | Friday | Barebailu |
| 29 November 2025 | Saturday | Gullodi, Thodar, Kinnikambla |
| 30 November 2025 | Sunday | Hengavalli, Kenchila |
| 01 December 2025 | Monday | Moodushedde |
| 02 December 2025 | Tuesday | Hosakote, Edapadavu Kunjadi |
| 04 December 2025 | Thursday | Handady |
| 05 December 2025 | Friday | Beluvayi |
| 06 December 2025 | Saturday | Muchur |
| 07 December 2025 | Sunday | Kolaraadi, Tholanje |
| 08 December 2025 | Monday | Chelaru |
| 09 December 2025 | Tuesday | Chelyaru, Kuppepadavu |
| 10 December 2025 | Wednesday | Tenka, Atyaru |
| 11 December 2025 | Thursday | Hosangadi, Kenjaru |
| 12 December 2025 | Friday | Mundagodu |
| 14 December 2025 | Sunday | Shamboor, Bannady |
| 21 December 2025 | Sunday | Kaidinatar |
| 29 December 2025 | Monday | Belthangady |
| 30 December 2025 | Tuesday | Nandavara |
Plan Your Kambala Trip
How Travebrate Can Help Plan Your Kambala Itinerary
1. Dynamic Schedule Tracking: Kambala schedules are subject to change due to various factors. Travebrate excels at keeping track of these updates, ensuring you’re always informed about any alterations.
2. Local Insights: As natives of this region, we intimately understand the culture and stories behind Kambalas. Our knowledge allows us to curate an authentic experience for you.
3. Temple Festivals: During Kambala season, several temple festivals take place in Mangalore and Udupi. We’ll incorporate these vibrant celebrations into your itinerary.
4. Yakshagana Shows: If you’re interested in traditional art forms, we’ll include Yakshagana performances happening during your visit.
5. Knowledge about Kambala Venues: Our experience helps us identify which Kambalas are likely to be crowded and which ones offer a more serene experience.
6. Respecting Local Traditions: Kambala, Yakshagana, and daiva kola (Nema) hold deep cultural significance. We’ll guide you on the right way to show respect, ensuring a meaningful interaction with local customs.
Want Us to Plan Your Kambala Trip?
Want us to plan your trip with exciting experiences like the ones above? Send us an email to get your trip itinerary planned.
Travebrate plans your trip with a complete itinerary but does not book hotels or rooms.
Where is Kambala happening this year? https://travebrate.com/where-is-kambala-happening-this-year/
Can share the exact location and tickets or any more info. So i can plan correctly
Hello, We have sent an email to your personal id. Kindly refer the same.
Sir need to stall registration at gurupura how to contact
Hello Nagraj,
We have responded to you through email.
Hi ,can I also please get the exact location ,details and any more information of the kambala races in the month of February and March of 2024 please.
Responded over email.
Can you please send details on how to book
Now when will the kambla race be held in Katpadi mattu kaup Udupi etc??? please inform me my gmail is
hk2123492@gmail.com
Katapadi Kambala would be in February 2026. Kudi Kambala’s are started at the moment. If you are interested, kindly reach out over email/Whatsapp/phone.
Hello, even I would like to know what fact venue and ticket information please
Hi Milind, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Can you Share The Exact Location And Tickets Or Any More Info. So I Can Plan Correctly
Sir, which is the popular Kambala ( in January/ February 2023 )
How long are these events and what time do they start ?
Events will run through out the day usually from 9-6, and competition would run under many categories.
Hi Can you please share the details of Kambala for 4th, 11th and 18th March with all the address on nitin.mulky@gmail.com. Thanks
We have responded Nitin.
Kindly share the timing and exact location of the Paivalike Kambala on the 25th March 2023. Thank you
Hi Bharat Ram, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Hi can you please help and share the details about kambala festival in 23rd dec and 6th jan. And its locations.
Hello Krishnendh,
We have responded to your question over email.
Could you share the exact location details of where Kambala is happening in Surathkal and Panapila
Hi Radhika, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Hi Can You Please Share The Details Of Kambala For 8th April With All The Address On andyjadhav@gmail.com Thanks
Hi Anand, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Can I get a good room stays near the kambala place. I am planning to come for November 11th race to gurupura. Where can I stay? Can you recommend any. I want to shoot the kambala. Can I get pre kambala shots also?
Hello!! Could you please share more info on the venue, timings and ticket price of Bangalore Kambala to be held on 25th of November.
Hello Sonia,
We have responded over email.
Thanks!
Hi, where exactly is the bangrakooluru kamabala? Is it in Mangalore city? I can’t find tje location.
Can you also send information on tickets for 30th December?
Thank you.
What is the timings for Mulki Kambala being held today ?
I am planning to visit Mangaluru Udupi and murudeshwar on Jan 26,Jan 27 and Jan 28 respectively.Also planning to visit botha kola and kambala race
Could you please curate a plan
Hello team,
Can you please send me the address for Kambala happening in vamanjur and Katpadi please to my email id.
For 17th and 24 Feb 2024
Hello there, could you share more information on the kambala happening in Katpadi, Udupi on the 22nd of February 2025! I’m curious about the venue, timings and if it is safe for me to visit there on my own as a female solo traveller! Can I also see a Yakshagana/ other things on the same day?
could you please share the dates calender of 2025 – 2026 kambala festival ?
Hi Anisha,
New schedule of Kambala is expected latest by 28th September. However, it takes close to a week time from the said date to get finalized schedule, as there would be multiple changes.
Thanks!
Is Mulky kambala dates moved from Dec 20 to
Dec 28 is that correct. Do you have any source of this information. And do you have the exact address where this kambala happens in Mulky.
Hi Nitin,there has been a press release from Dugga Saavantha Arasu of Mulki that as per astrology date has been updated. https://maps.app.goo.gl/fcADnB2aqDPaYr4m8 . Reach out to us over email for more details.