Gymming, weights, pilates, planks - tried everything out and with zero success? Keto, paleo, GM - gave every diet trick in the world a shot and actually ended up gaining weight? Yes that was me too!
My name is Addy and I am setting out on an all new journey to lose weight and stay FIT. This time, I am seeking knowledge in ancient wisdom.
My journey begins with those who’ve achieved international sporting success by following strictly age-old advise of their gurus. Those who grew up in kushti ka akharas, home to desi wrestlers.
My first visit is to Delhi’s famous Guru Hanuman Akhara.
So what did I learn? Here are some Desi Nuskhas the wrestlers most generously shared with me:
The wrestlers at the Guru Hanumam Akhara don’t just wrestle. They are expected to do all the preparation and physical labour that goes into getting the wrestling pit ready.
What did I learn? I was made to plough the soil all over. Clearly there’s no need to go to the gym. Do household chores. Clean your car, wash your clothes. This is no joke. Try it out!
This soil in the pit is loaded with medicinal properties. The best part, it comes with no side effects. No Skin allergy, discolouration or itchiness. It has anti bacterial, anti fungal properties they say. It smells good too.
The wrestlers add mustard oil, 20-25 kg turmeric, heena, sawdust and mix it all together in the soil.
Science says almond milk is the perfect protein shake. Traditionally, this has been a part of our desi nuskhas forever.
The mix they make here has rose petals, cardamom, black pepper, almonds - all good things that go into making traditional thandai.
The secret to a wrestler’s health, almonds! And preparing everything without machines. The wrestlers grind the mix using a traditional mortar and pestle.
Your grandmother has gone hoarse saying this: eat ghee. Glee is full of medicinal properties. But a few things I learn here. Overcooking ghee is not healthy. And adding it to the carb-heavy roti is bad for your system. Add it to the protein rich dal instead.
The wrestlers train early morning and evening. During the day, after that heavy workout, they sleep. Sleep is important to help your aching muscles recover. So give your body rest when you can.
A day spent in the akhara has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had. I’ve learned so much from these wrestlers who hold ancient wisdom in high regard. That’s the secret to their health.
Credits:
Anchor: Aditya Kaushal
Creative Director: Tridip K Mandal
Assistant Director: Abhishek Ranjan
Camera: Athar Rather
Editor: Kunal Mehra
Production Assistant: Qazi Danish Nazir
Special thanks to: Guru Hanuman Akhara
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