Among the traditional Kambala festivals of coastal Karnataka, Vandar Kambala stands out as one of the oldest and most revered. Celebrated in Vandar, about 30 kilometers from Kundapura, this festival has deep roots in the region’s cultural and religious heritage, with unique rituals symbolizing collective devotion and village unity.

Held as a village festival, Vandar Kambala is believed to be linked to the ancient Kotitirtha pond of Koteshwara Temple. According to legend, the Pandavas created this pond during their exile as part of their daily religious duties under Lord Shiva’s command. It is said they connected Kotitirtha to Vandar through a secret path, creating a 10-acre field for Kambala before leaving it incomplete. A stone depicting a half-eaten jackfruit remains nearby, symbolizing their sudden departure and devotion. This historic field continues to host the festival each year on the day of the Kodi Festival, with Kotitirtha filling with silt, signifying the connection between the two locations.

The prestigious Hegde family of Vandar has upheld the Vandar Kambala traditions for centuries. They lead the festival, dedicating it to their household deity, Tulasi Amma, believed to have origins in Tirupati. Nearby, the ancient Nigalashwara Temple worships Nigalashwara, where only Bant priests perform the rituals, while Brahmins serve Tulasi Amma. The Kambala day is marked by special prayers and is followed by the Gendotsava ceremony in honor of Tulasi Amma.

This festival also includes a distinctive rural tradition: cattle from across Udupi district are brought to participate, often reaching up to 60 pairs in recent years. Farmers offer vows and prayers for the health and well-being of their cattle by letting them circle the field. In a further ritual, children are dipped in the muddy waters, while participants perform a Suttakki Seve, symbolically sowing rice. “Years ago, this festival lasted an entire month. Today, it is condensed into a vibrant four-day event,” says Amar Shetty, a local council member

The Vandar Kambala comes with fascinating traditions:
– The Pattedar Hegde, the family head of the Kambala lineage, performs a specific ritual every 12 years.
– Cattle brought to the field cannot be forcefully led into the mud. If they escape on the Kambala day, villagers believe they will not be found until the next day.
– Custom dictates that the Pattedar Hegde cannot complete a full circle around the field but must go in the opposite direction to preserve the sanctity of the tradition.

Unlike other Kambala events, Vandar Kambala is not a competitive race but a community ritual, steeped in a thousand years of heritage. “It is not merely entertainment; it is an expression of faith passed down for generations,” says Praveen Hegde, a leading member of the Vandar lineage. The festival highlights the rural traditions and cultural pride of the people of Vandar, showcasing their reverence and dedication to preserving their ancient heritage.