Kushti (Traditional Indian wrestling)

Kushti (traditional Indian wrestling) is India’s ancient sport and is still praticed in its traditional style in few parts of the country. In the traditional style of wrestling, it takes place in a clay or dirt pit. The soil is mixed with ghee (Indian clarified butter) and is tended to before each practice. The two daily workout sessions under the supervision of a guru at the local akharas (wrestling gymnasiums) are based on an ancient traditional wrestling and physical rigour that dates back thousands of years. Training with total devotion and intensity, the wrestler learns through exercise, diet, self-control and celibacy that his strength ultimately goes beyond the mere physical.

Wrestlers' diets consist of few litres of milk, almonds, ghee, fruits, vegetables and chapattis (indian bread) and every wrestler prepares one’s own meals. Though kushti has managed to retain its traditions alive, few changes have been made to accommodate the modernity (mats, clothing, shoes etc.) in this sport, enabling the wrestlers to participate in various international arenas. The recent Olympic medal has given kushti a sudden boost and people are paying more attention to other sports other than just cricket. Keeping up with this upgrade and change, there are very few mud wrestling arenas.

Will this change to mdernity lead to a slow death of the traditional form of mud wrestling?

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