Kusthi Wrestlers of Delhi - A photo essay by Darragh Mason Field
Traditional Indian wrestling is a way of life that finds its roots in ancient India. Practitioners live and train together following the Spartan rules of the Akhara, practicing vegetarianism, celibacy and a strict avoidance of smoking and alcohol, the wrestlers concentrate on building strength and perfecting technique.
The red soil pit where the wrestling takes place is sacred to the Pehalvans is mixed with oil and ghee and represents the very heart of India itself. They will only walk barefoot in the pit and footwear is strictly taboo.
Less and less boys are turning up to train, as the life of a wrestler is a hard one with very few succeeding in making a living from competition. But despite that, there are still many Akharas left and some very committed people who are working hard to keep this ancient fighting art from dying.
Wrestlers grapple at the Akhara Kushti of Gari, New Delhi. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
Young Pehalvans practicing off to the side of the main pit. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
A break between reps of weights. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
Guru Charan putting a student in a painful lock. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
Young fighters in the mirror. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
The evening sun across Pehalvans. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
A young Pehalvan doing press ups on bricks during training. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
A student tries to twist out of his teachers guard. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
Working on upper body strength. Photo © Darragh Mason Field
Photos & text by Darragh Mason Field. All Rights Reserved
About Darragh Mason Field
Darragh Mason Field was born in Dublin but grew up on the side of a mountain in the West of Ireland and went on to study Communications in Dublin City University, majoring in Photography. His portfolio can be viewed at http://www.darraghmasonfield.com.
Darragh Mason Field was born in Dublin but grew up on the side of a mountain in the West of Ireland and went on to study Communications in Dublin City University, majoring in Photography. His portfolio can be viewed at http://www.darraghmasonfield.com.
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Weird practice. But the fact that such traditions still exist is actually great.
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