From Track To Trash-free: Experiencing Zero Waste Kamabala! – Moodbidire Koti Chennayya Jodukere Kambala

Kambala, the traditional buffalo race is an annual event where the footfall is around 75,000 to 1 lakh people per day with more than 200 pairs of buffaloes. This thrilling buffalo race, deeply rooted in local culture, is traditionally sponsored by affluent Tuluva landlords and households residing in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi in Karnataka, along with Kasaragod in Kerala. This unique region, collectively known as Tulu Nadu, serves as the backdrop for this exhilarating spectacle.

Zero Waste Kambala was facilitated in coordination with Moodbidire Town Municipal Council staff and representatives, zero-waste brand ambassadors, volunteers and vendors. Public Awareness through short film, theme song, posters etc on social media, Orientation sessions to 150+ stall vendors on alternatives to plastics, arrangements for composting, eco-friendly cutlery and vigilant monitoring had rewarding outcome of successful zero-waste event. Public also were encouraged to bring their own bags and cutlery. It is the first of its kind zero-waste event held on such a large scale in the country. This initiative serves as an inspiring example of how a well-organized, cost-effective, and scalable approach can promote eco-conscious behaviours and lead to a more sustainable future, applicable to events of all sizes.

IMPACT

2,46,500+ single-use items replaced by eco-friendly cutlery
150+ vendors and 50+ volunteers engaged
1,00,000+ people sensitized on sustainable waste management practices over a period of 60 hours for 2 consecutive days through innovative and impactful ways
Ripple Effect – 10 more events such as Ganeshotsava, Plastic-free Maranakatte Jaathre (50% reduction of plastics), temple programs etc adopted zero-waste approach

2021 Kambala

Earlier, Kambala witnessed an enormous amount of waste generated, primarily attributed to the widespread use of single-use items. Recognizing the pressing need for change, in 2021, a series of strategic measures were implemented with the aim of persuading and motivating individuals to adopt more sustainable practices. The event was on 10th December 2021 and a total of approximately 1 lakh people participated in the event. This endeavour sought to encourage the vendors and the committee members to go for a zero-waste event in the following year. These commendable initiatives served as a compelling demonstration to the committee members, illustrating that with meticulous planning and efforts, a substantial reduction in waste generated during the event was achievable. During the event, a commendable 3,000+ paper plates was avoided through the strategic substitution with Thandevu leaves (Beene leaves). The pivotal promotion of Thandevu leaves, an indigenous variety found abundantly in the Moodubidire region, emerged as a key component of this sustainability drive. This tree variety boasts rapid growth and a widespread presence, making it an environmentally sound choice. The organizers initiated a progressive approach by distributing these leaves to food stalls and fervently encouraging their utilization as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic/paper cups and plates. This initiative not only reduces waste but also champions the utilization of a local and sustainable resource, further strengthening the bond between the Kambala community and its natural surroundings.

Consequently, the committee enthusiastically embraced the idea of organizing the next year’s Kambala as a zero-waste event. Thus, the modest yet determined endeavours of the 2021 Kambala laid a solid foundation for the subsequent year’s Zero-Waste Kambala.

2022 Kambala