Kambala's debut at Mysuru Dasara stirs culture-versus-cost row
Karnataka's government has proposed adding Kambala, the coastal slush-track buffalo race, to this year's Mysuru Dasara for the first time, triggering controversy. Organisers have begun preparing a slush track, gallery and facilities. Critics call the water-intensive sport unsuited to Dasara's heritage amid a severe drought, while backers argue the centuries-old folk tradition deserves a stage at the State festival, or Nada Habba.