Kambala: The Buffaloes Take the Track
On World Photography Day, the first of the ‘Beyond The Frame’ photo series by S Devarajan (Dev) celebrates a unique spectacle.
Every year, between October and March, the muddy paddy fields of coastal Karnataka transform into racetracks as Kambala brings together farmers, buffaloes and thousands of spectators.
This traditional buffalo race, held across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, is deeply rooted in the region’s agrarian culture. In Moodbidri, the thunder of hooves, the spray of muddy water, and the roar of the crowd create a spectacle that is as exhilarating as it is deeply local.
Legend traces Kambala to the Hoysala kings, who are said to have discovered the remarkable speed and strength of buffaloes and began racing them to assess their potential for warfare.
This photo has won seven international awards.
Today, Kambala is both sport and a celebration, honouring the buffaloes that have long been part of the farming life of coastal Karnataka. For photographers, it offers a striking portrait of tradition, competition, community and raw energy.
This photo has won seven awards, including the Global Photography Awards: Gold – people photography; Tokyo International Photography Awards: Honourable Mention; International Photography Awards: Official Selection; Global Photography Awards: Platinum International Photography – India; New York Photography Awards: Silver Winner – Sports; London Photography Awards: Gold Winner – Sports; and International Colour Awards: 2nd Place Merit of Excellence – Sports.
Text and Photo by S Devarajan.
S. Devarajan (Dev) is a former Managing Director of Cisco Systems India and Tata Elxsi. A former President of MAIT, he serves on several corporate boards. An award-winning photographer, Dev has won more than 56 international photography awards and enjoys music and travel.
