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Kholapuri kusti

Kolhapuri Kusti (Wrestling)

The city of Kolhapur and his wrestlers are famous around the world for the traditional Indian wrestling (kusti).

The wrestlers are known as “Malla”, they are trained by masters called “Vastad” and the wrestling match is played in a square dark red clay ground. Wrestlers belong to gyms called Akhara or Talim, where wrestlers live under strict rules, following a diet that consists mainly of milk, alomds, ghee, eggs and chapati.

Before training wrestlers cover themselves with mud.

 

With the necessary politeness, I had the chance to visit Motibag Talim, near Mahalaxmi Temple, where I was warmly welcomed by the Vastad, a glory of the country, and all his wrestlers, the best bodyguards for a photographer!

 

Iso: 3200 - handheld

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Uploaded on March 17, 2011
Taken on November 29, 2008