Akharas of Varanasi: A Journey into India’s Ancient Wrestling Tradition
Akharas of Varanasi: A Journey into India’s Ancient Wrestling Tradition
When travellers think of Varanasi, they often imagine sacred ghats, evening aartis, temple bells, and the timeless flow of the Ganges. Yet hidden within the labyrinth of narrow lanes and old neighbourhoods lies another fascinating world — the ancient tradition of Indian wrestling, known as kushti [wrestling], practiced in traditional wrestling schools called akharas.
A wrestling tour in Varanasi offers a rare opportunity to witness a living heritage that combines physical discipline, spirituality, devotion, and community life. It is not merely a sport; it is a way of life deeply rooted in Indian culture.
What is an Akhara?
An akhara is a traditional Indian wrestling arena where wrestlers, called pehlwans, train daily under the guidance of a guru or master. Unlike modern gyms, akharas are simple mud pits, often attached to temples or local neighbourhoods. The training ground is considered sacred, and wrestlers begin their practice with prayers and rituals.
The earth itself plays an important role. The wrestling pit is carefully prepared with soft clay mixed with ghee [clarified butter], turmeric, and mustard oil to keep it smooth and antiseptic. Wrestlers believe the soil strengthens both body and spirit.
The Ancient Tradition of Kushti
Indian wrestling dates back thousands of years and is mentioned in ancient Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Over centuries, kushti evolved by combining indigenous Indian martial traditions with Persian wrestling influences during the Mughal era.
Varanasi has long been an important centre for this tradition. Many local akharas are over a century old and continue to preserve old training methods that have changed little over generations.
For the wrestlers of Varanasi, kushti is more than competition. It teaches discipline, celibacy, humility, respect for the guru, and devotion to Hanuman — the Hindu deity associated with strength and courage.
A Morning Inside the Akharas of Varanasi
The best time to visit an akhara is early in the morning, just before sunrise. As the city slowly awakens, young wrestlers gather in the mud arenas for their daily practice.
The atmosphere is intense yet peaceful.
You may witness:
Traditional warm-up exercises using wooden clubs (mugdar)
Push-ups and squats performed in astonishing numbers
Wrestling bouts in the clay pit
Body massages using mustard oil
Ritual prayers before and after training
Discussions between gurus and students
The sounds of chanting, the smell of earth and oil, and the dedication of the wrestlers create a deeply authentic experience rarely seen by ordinary visitors.
Meeting the Pehlwans [wrestlers]
One of the highlights of a wrestling tour is interacting with the wrestlers themselves. Many pehlwans come from humble backgrounds and dedicate years to rigorous training.
Their daily routine often includes:
Waking before dawn
Hours of exercise and wrestling practice
Strict vegetarian diets rich in milk, almonds, ghee, and fruits
Spiritual discipline and meditation
Despite the physical intensity of the sport, visitors are often surprised by the humility and warmth of the wrestlers.
Why This Experience Matters
In an age of modern gyms and commercial sports, the akharas of Varanasi preserve an ancient philosophy of physical culture that values simplicity, discipline, and inner strength.
For travellers seeking meaningful cultural experiences, witnessing kushti in Varanasi offers something unforgettable: a glimpse into a tradition that has survived centuries and continues to shape the identity of the city.
A wrestling tour is not only about sport. It is about heritage, devotion, community, and the timeless spirit of India.
Every traveler is unique, and so is every journey we create. Share your travel plans with us, and our specialists will design a tailor-made itinerary featuring private transportation, carefully selected hotels, and authentic experiences that match your interests and travel style. Receive your personalized travel proposal within 24 hours.
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