Discovering Traditional Indian Wrestling in Varanasi

[Alina Zagitova]

Varanasi is all about solace, peace, and spiritual aura that attract a lot of visitors to the city. But, once you go on exploring this land you will be shocked to see the treasures that haven’t yet been unveiled. One of such places that are massively popular locally but have somehow stayed away from limelight are the Akhadas or the wrestling grounds of Varanasi. But, not anymore! Let’s take you on a day trip to the Akhadas of Varanasi and introduce you to a spot that is perhaps one of the most exciting places to visit in Varanasi.

 Heading to the Wrestling Grounds

The enthralling Varanasi Akhadas tour begins early morning at 5:30 AM and the first thing that you would enjoy right at the onset of the tour is a calming boat-ride from Dasashwamedha Ghat to Manikarnika Ghat before heading to the much-awaited Akhadas. The soothing scenes of the waters of River Ganga soon fade, giving way to the soils of the Akhada of Tulsi Ghat. As you move further into the wrestling ground, the early morning quietude quickly turns into a lively and vibrant aura created by the buzzing energy of the wrestlers and you already start to imagine how the day will unfold.

Touring around the Akhada

In just a few minutes at the site you will realize that the spirituality and traditional vibe that Varanasi is known for is intact even in the Akhadas. The wrestlers or pehelwans (as they are locally called) start their day by offering flowers to the soil and sprinkling water on it, treating it like a temple of sorts. During the course of the tour, you will also get to interact with the wrestlers which makes the tour all the more insightful. 

Let the fight begin!

The real fun of this Varanasi day tour begins as you witness the mesmerizing tricks of traditional Indian style of wrestling called Kushti. Various equipments such as the gada, naal, santulan, etc. are used in the course of the fight as the wrestlers fight in pairs. The raw and untainted sight of the place will definitely make you revisit and you will return with the realisation that going on an Akhada tour is one of the most fascinating things to do in Varanasi.