Eighth edition of Mangaluru Kambala begins at Goldfinch City

The eighth edition of Mangaluru Kambala, organised by Mangaluru Kambala Samithi, was launched by M. Venkatesh, retired Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Managing Director and father of Late Captain M.V. Pranjal, here on Saturday.

The eighth edition of Mangaluru Kambala, organised by Mangaluru Kambala Samithi, was launched by M. Venkatesh, retired Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Managing Director and father of Late Captain M.V. Pranjal, here on Saturday.

Inaugurating the event at the Rama-Lakshmana Jodu Kare in Goldfinch City, Mr. Venkatesh said Kambala has been the cultural epitome of Tulu Nadu where his son Pranjal grew up. “If he was alive, the entire family would have come to Mangaluru to watch the Kambala. It was heartening to note that the rich heritage of Tulu Nadu, Kambala, has remained thriving after sustained efforts by many people to continue to the tradition,” he said.

Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garodi Kshetra president K. Chittaranjan lit the lamp symbolising the inauguration in the presence of Gurupura Vajradehi Mutt Seer Sri Rajashekharananda Swami, Mangaluru Ramakrishna Mutt’s Seer Swami Chidambarananda, Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple hereditary priest Ananthapadmanabha Asranna and others. Presiding over the inauguration, Mangalore University Vice Chancellor P.L. Dharma said the elders started Kambala to unite society irrespective of caste, creed and colour. Following the same principle, everyone should work towards building the nation through Kambala at present.

Mangaluru Kambala Samithi president and Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta recalled the massive support the Kambala received when everyone fought for its survival eight years ago. People from all sections of society and from all ages marched along with 200 pairs of buffaloes in Mangaluru to save the rich heritage. On that occasion, it was decided to organise Kambala in Mangaluru City. MRG Hospitality Group Chairman K. Prakash Shetty generously offered space to conduct the event at his Goldfinch City, Capt. Chowta noted.

On the occasion, the organisers and the audience mourned the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the five soldiers, including Anup Poojary from Kundapura, who died in a road accident on December 24.

Samithi Vice President Keshava Bangera, former MLC Captain Ganesh Karnik, MLC Kishor Kumar Puttur and others were present.