Vajra Mushti Kalaga cancelled at Mysuru Dasara; wrestlers blame police restrictions
The traditional Vajra Mushti Kalaga martial combat, a centuries-old event at Mysuru Dasara, was cancelled on Vijayadashami. Wrestlers from the Jetti community blamed police restrictions for preventing them from entering the Mysuru Palace premises in time, despite having arrived on schedule.
Why it matters
The cancellation of this ancient ritual due to alleged police interference raises concerns about the preservation of cultural traditions and the management of public events. It highlights potential friction between authorities and traditional communities during significant cultural festivals.
Vajra Mushti Kalaga cancelled at Mysuru Dasara; wrestlers blame police restrictions left A file photo of traditional wrestlers or jetties engaged in Vajra Mushti Kalaga on the palace premises in Mysuru. File photo File photo https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/aq17jl/article71608484.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/6702_2_10_2025_19_52_9_1_DASARAWRESTLING.JPG Sriram M A Traditional wrestlers or jetties engaged in Vajra Mushti Kalaga at the palace premises in Mysuru on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Photo: M.A. SRIRAM / The Hindu The Vajra Mushti Kalaga is a centuries-old sporting tradition patronised by the Wadiyars of Mysuru. MYSURU The traditional Vajra Mushti Kalaga, an ancient form of martial combat in which two wrestlers strike each other on the shaved head with knuckledusters, was cancelled on Vijayadashami after the police allegedly prevented some wrestlers from entering the Mysuru Palace premises in time. The Vajra Mushti Kalaga is a centuries-old sporting tradition patronised by the Wadiyars of Mysuru.
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