Kushti in Banaras: Wrestling as a Homage to Gods

A sacred practice where the soul meets the divine, kushti is the spiritual synthesis of the body, discipline, and devotion. The symbolism of akharas transcends beyond being mere grounds for physical activity; the pahalwans worship them as temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Se?verine Dabadie and Christiane Etchezaharreta's journey through Banaras is a quest to portray the sensuality of the wrestlers bodies and their inherent strength and beauty. This testimony restores pride in the practice of kushti. While on one side, the popularity of kushti has been declining, this book celebrates the presence of pahalwans who courageously continue to fight on the sacred grounds of Banaras's akharas and perpetuate India's cultural heritage.