Wrestling: Pehlwani, Kusti or modern wrestling is believed to have originated from ancient India. The temple carvings and ancient paintings represent the long history of wrestling in India. Ancient Hindu literature and texts like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana mention it. A practitioner of this sport is known as the pehlwan. The rules of wrestling vary geographically. It is the royal national sport of India. It is the contest in which the two people hold hands, with their elbows resting on the flat surface, the one who pushes the other’s arm towards the surface wins. Indian wrestling is mostly popular in the northern part of India, especially Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. The person who trains the pehlwan is known as a Guru or Ustad. Fights or Dangals are held mainly in the villages. Competitors practice for years and develop their bodies. You can see this traditional sport in one of the wrestling halls called “Akhras”.
Boat Racing in Kerala: One of the major attractions in God’s country is the boat racing that takes place in Kerala. A sport that represents the excellent team spirit and unity among the people of Kerala. The snake boat race is held in connection with the harvest festival, Onam, in the month of August or September. These races are the most colorful event that attracts the large number of national and international tourists. More than 30 Chundan Vallams or elaborately crafted snake boats take part in the event. The race takes place over a 40 km stretch from the foothills to the low plains. The Kerala backwaters come alive during this festival as various cultural functions are staged. The snake boat races are preceded by colorful parades that include 25 singers and 100-125 rowers. Some of the famous places for these races are Aranmula on the Pamba River in Kuttanad region, Papiyad near Quilon and Thayathangadi near Kottayam.
Camel Racing: Camel racing is the deeply rooted traditional sports in Rajasthan. Camels are known as the “ship of the desert”. Camel racing is rapidly gaining popularity as visitors find the opportunity to experience a unique and exciting camel event. The camels are beautifully decorated. The enchanting desert town comes alive with upbeat music, upbeat rhythms, and joyous festivities. Camel performances, camel tug war, camel stunts, camel dances and camel microphone competition are part of the event. Jaisalmer desert festival and Bikaner camel festival are interesting events to be a part of the vibrant camel racing.
Bullfighting in India Bullfighting is more like comedy than blood sport. Bulls are fully grown adults specially fed to further bulk up, and watching them fight each other would seem to promise some spectacular action. The bulls are decorated with garlands and their horns are painted. Bull fighting is mostly famous in Chennai and Haryana.
