Activists call on CM Shivakumar to scrap Kambala from Mysuru Dasara celebrations

As Mysuru prepares for its annual Dasara celebrations, a coalition of animal‑rights and cultural activists has written to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urging the removal of the Kambala horse‑race from the festival programme. The Kambala, held over the last four days of the festival, has been a staple of local tradition but has drawn criticism for its perceived cruelty toward horses.

Activists highlighted that the event involves horses wearing spiked collars and leashes, which they argue causes distress and injury. They cited reports of animals being subjected to harsh training and the risk of accidents during the high-speed races, pointing to increased calls for animal welfare reforms across Karnataka. The group warned that if the race proceeds, the combination of large crowds, high emotions, and social media amplification could quickly spiral into mass unrest in Mysuru.

Should the government refuse to comply with the letter, the activists predict a sizeable protest in front of the city’s civic square, potentially disrupting the Dasara processions and prompting police deployment. Source: Google News – Udupi.