Karnataka assembly today passed a bill to facilitate the conduct of Kambala- a traditional annual buffalo race in muddy fields, held in the coastal districts of the state. The demand for Kambala was incited by the success of the stir in Tamil Nadu for allowing Jallikattu, which led to the Karnataka state government bringing a similar amendment to the Central act.

Kambala committees and various Kannada organisations had held protests at several places against the ban. Kambla in its traditional form is non-competitive with buffalo pairs made to race one after another in paddy fields, which is considered a thanksgiving to the Gods for protecting the animals from diseases.

Over the years, it has however become an organised sport with animal rights activists claiming that the buffaloes run in the race due to fear of being beaten, which the organisers dismiss, saying no violence is involved and that several modifications had been made to ensure that it is an animal friendly event.