Akhadas have always been an integral part of Varanasi’s culture and the wrestlers here have found a place among the country’s most renowned wrestlers. The ancient Tulsi Akhara in Varanasi is one of the famous Akharas and has produced many famous wrestlers in the past, so it is also the most famous.
Visiting an Akhara is a very humbling experience as one gets to revisit traditional Indian systems of knowledge and fitness. As the sun’s rays get stronger, the wrestlers settle back to rest under the shade of the Peepal tree. While adjusting their red loincloths and gamchas, they sip water while the wrestlers crush the leaves on a chiseled stone and mix spices to prepare bhang. Bhang is a special favourite among the people of Varanasi. It can be consumed in many forms. The most common of which is Thandai (an Indian cold drink made from almonds, fennel, rose petals, black pepper, cardamom, saffron, milk and sugar).
