Moodubelle: Exciting Annual Kamballa held at Devaragudde

By Eugene Moodubelle
Pictures by Eugene and Anil Alva
Bellevision Media Network

Moodubelle, 14 November 2010: The annual kamballa organised jointly by the Kelamane and Melmane was held in the traditional kamballa field near Devaragudde on Saturday, 13th November 2010 between 3 and 6 pm. This year six pairs of buffaloes participated in the kamballa. The buffaloes belonged to Umesh Nayak who fielded two pairs and one pair each of Krishna Shetty, Rama Shetty, Jeevan Kumar and the host Kelamane.

 

At 3 pm, Dr. H.B. Shetty who has the traditional responsibility of hosting the kamballa came in procession and worshipped Moola Maisandaya, the family deity. Thereafter he along with Belle Melmane Udaya Shetty led the procession followed by musicians, Bantas and all six pairs of Buffaloes. Near the kamballa, Dr. H.B. Shetty visited the Brhama Baidarkala Garadi to pay oblations and later to Manjotti Dhoomvati the local deities for the successful conduct of the kamballa.

 

Meanwhile, the owners of the buffaloes began to harness the pairs which has to be accurate so as to maintain balance between both the buffaloes as they run in the wet field.

 

Each pair of buffaloes had to run five times in turn. As most of the buffaloes did not have sufficient practice the handlers found it difficult to manage them. However, as each pair of buffaloes had to be chased five times, later they could run straight.

 

 

 

 

Unlike last year, this year the number of pairs of buffaloes were double and the winners were given cups at the end of the kamballa.

 

The first place was secured by the buffaloes of Umesh Nayak; Second place by Rama Shetty; Third place by Krishna Shetty and consolation prize was given to Jeevan kumar. Belle Melmane Udaya Shetty gave away the cups to the winners.

 

Fortunately there was no rain till the last round of the kamballa though the eastern horizon was cloudy and thunder could be heard at a distance. During the last round of the kamballa it began to rain.

 

The kamballa was quite exciting in the backdrop of picturesque green paddy saplings and the coconut trees with rainy clouds hovering above whose reflection could be seen in the kamballa field including those of the buffaloes.