Wrestling: Pehlwani, Kusti or modern wrestling is believed to have originated in ancient India. Temple carvings and ancient paintings depict 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. Wrestling rules 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 winner is the one who pushes the other’s arm towards the surface. Indian wrestling is mostly popular in the northern part of India, especially in Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. The person who trains the pehlwan is known as Guru or Ustad. The fights or Dangals are mainly held in the villages. Competitors practice for years and develop their bodies. You can see this traditional sport in one of the wrestling tutelages called “Akhras”.

Boat Races in Kerala: One of the main attractions of God’s country is the boat races that are held 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 elaborately crafted Chundan Vallams or snake boats take part in the event. The race takes place over a 40km stretch from the hills to the low plains. The backwaters of Kerala come to life during this festival as various cultural functions are organized. The snake boat races are preceded by colorful parades including 25 singers and 100-125 rowers. Some of the places famous for these races are Aranmula on the Pamba River in the 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 in popularity as visitors find the opportunity to experience a unique and exciting camel event. The camels are beautifully decorated. The charming desert town comes to life with upbeat music, upbeat beats, and joyous festivities. Camel performances, camel pulling war, camel acrobatics, camel dancing, and camel microphone competition are part of the event. Jaisalmer desert festival and Bikaner camel festival are exciting events to be a part of the vibrant camel racing.

Bull fighting in India Bull fighting is more akin to comedy than blood sport. The bulls are fully grown adults specially fed to further increase their bulk, and seeing 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 especially famous in Chennai and Haryana.