The Sampadak Express News Desk
The traditional Vajra Mushti Kalaga contest at Mysuru Palace was cancelled on Vijayadashami, Wednesday, October 21, after police restrictions allegedly delayed the entry of some wrestlers into the palace premises, according to reporting by The Hindu.
The Vajra Mushti Kalaga is a centuries-old martial tradition patronised by the Wadiyars of Mysuru. Wrestlers from the Jetti community face off wearing knuckledusters and strike the opponent’s shaved head; the first to draw blood is declared the winner. The bout is customarily held ahead of the Vijaya Yatra and Banni Pooja as part of the private ceremonial procession of the titular head of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family.
On Wednesday, the contest was called off after some participants reportedly failed to reach the arena in time. A Jetti community member alleged that police at the palace gates prevented timely entry by insisting that passes be scanned. “We had reached the palace on time, but the police refused to let us in. They said our passes had to be scanned and kept us waiting,” the community member said.
While wrestlers selected from Bengaluru and Chamarajanagar managed to enter the palace, those from Mysuru and Ramanagara could not reach the arena before the scheduled start, another community member said.
Sources said palace authorities decided not to miss the auspicious time for the Vijaya Yatra and proceeded with the private procession, cancelling the Vajra Mushti Kalaga for the day.
