Mysuru’s wrestlers want the government to focus on the traditional Matti Kushti as well

- Meghana Sastry
Wrestling has been a tradition in Mysuru for over 100 years. Matti kushti, or mud wrestling, is a popular type of the sport activity in the city. Children usually start practicing mud wrestling at the age of 13. It also forms an integral part of Dasara celebrations, which is carried out for a period of five days.

There are around 100 garadis (wrestling houses) in and around Mysuru, out of which only 30 are fully functioning today. Wrestlers practice twice every day. They worship the mud before commencing, as the mud is considered sacred. They only use red mud, as it renders a cooling effect. It is also mixed with turmeric and camphor. Turmeric acts as an antiseptic, and helps to heal the wounds faster.

They also have a certain diet that is followed after every practice session. Called thandai, this special food item needs to be consumed within 30 minutes of the wrestling match. The thandai, which includes dry fruits, helps muscles to heal.

Again, there are two types of mat kushti — one is called freestyle, in which the entire body is used, and the other is called ‘Roman or Greek’ wrestling, in which only the upper body is used.

Apparently, interest in kushti had dipped for a while in Mysuru. But after Sushil Kumar’s success, the sport has gained a lot of momentum again and participation has increased. Mat kushti is becoming quite popular. Mat kushti is more streamlined and recognised by the government, whereas matti kushti doesn’t have any such regulations. There have been requests made to the government to bring in some order in matti kushti, and include some benefits in the century-old tradition, which is still strong in Karnataka.

Every day of the tournament starts with mat kushti. After which, the covers are removed; the oxen are brought in to loosen the soil, followed by a small ceremony to worship the mud. After this, mud kushti goes on until late in the night.