The State government’s proposal to organise Kambala, the traditional buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, as a new attraction during this year’s Mysuru Dasara festivities has triggered a political controversy, with Opposition leaders urging the government to drop the plan to preserve the festival’s heritage and cultural identity.

Several organisations have opposed the State government’s reported proposal to organise the traditional Kambala buffalo race as part of this year’s Mysuru Dasara celebrations, arguing that the event is incompatible with the heritage, cultural identity and religious significance of the world-famous festival.