Politics Entered The Akhara On Nag Panchami: BJP, SP Rivals Wrestle To A Draw In Varanasi
News india Politics Entered The Akhara On Nag Panchami: BJP, SP Rivals Wrestle To A Draw In Varanasi Last Updated: August 17, 2026, 22:43 IST Dangal competitions are traditionally associated with Nag. . .
NewsindiaPolitics Entered The Akhara On Nag Panchami: BJP, SP Rivals Wrestle To A Draw In VaranasiLast Updated:August 17, 2026, 22:43 ISTDangal competitions are traditionally associated with Nag Panchami celebrations in several parts of Uttar Pradesh. Rapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI. +Politics entered Nag Panchami Dangal in Varanasi. BJP and SP rivals wrestled in a traditional bout. The 15-minute wrestling match ended in a draw. As two political rivals stepped into the wrestling pit, the crowd suddenly had something more to watch. The dusty akhara in Varanasi was buzzing with the familiar sights and sounds of a traditional Nag Panchami Dangal — cheers from the crowd, wrestlers sizing each other up and the earthy excitement that surrounds one of Uttar Pradesh’s old sporting traditions. But this time, there was an unusual twist. Recommended StoriesTablet Stands Under Rs 1,500 That Make Your Work ComfortableStudent Activist Devendra Mahto Announces End Of Hunger Strike As Hemant Soren Cancels JSSC-CGL Exam'No NRC, No Census': Manipur Students Demand Displaced People Return Home Before CensusPakistan-Linked Crime-Terror Nexus Busted: 253 Arrested Across 14 States In Massive CrackdownAs two political rivals stepped into the wrestling pit, the crowd suddenly had something more to watch. One belonged to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while the other was from the Samajwadi Party (SP). The two men had not only crossed political swords but had also contested an election against each other. What followed was a 15-minute bout that turned a traditional festival event into an unlikely political spectacle. Nag Panchami And Akhara TraditionDangal competitions are traditionally associated with Nag Panchami celebrations in several parts of Uttar Pradesh. The festival, dedicated to the worship of snakes, also coincides with a period when traditional akharas come alive with wrestling bouts. For generations, these competitions have been occasions for communities to gather, cheer local wrestlers and celebrate a sport deeply embedded in rural and small-town culture. The Varanasi bout carried that familiar atmosphere — until the identities of the two men in the ring became the talking point. As news of the political face-off began spreading through the locality, people started arriving at the venue. What might otherwise have been a routine traditional wrestling contest soon attracted an increasingly curious audience eager to see the two political rivals lock horns — quite literally. Inside the akhara, however, there were no campaign speeches, party flags or election slogans. There was just wrestling. For nearly 15 minutes, the two men grappled with each other, trying to gain an advantage and bring their opponent down. Each attempted hold was met with cheers, while every escape brought another round of excitement from the spectators. Neither was willing to give an inch. And when the bout finally ended, there was no winner. The two political rivals finished level, with neither managing to pin the other down. The result added an almost poetic touch to a contest involving men who had previously competed against each other in the electoral arena. There, voters had decided their fate. Here, the wrestling mat refused to choose a winner. For the locals who gathered to watch, the attraction was as much about the personalities as the sport. The sight of political opponents competing in a traditional dangal offered a rare break from the usual language of politics — rallies, speeches, accusations and counter-accusations. For a few minutes, the rivalry was reduced to strength, stamina and wrestling technique. The atmosphere also reflected the enduring appeal of the akhara culture. Long before politics entered the picture, Nag Panchami dangals have been community events where people gather simply to watch wrestlers test themselves against one another. This time, however, the identities of the contestants transformed the occasion into something more. On the political field, the two men had once fought for votes. On the Nag Panchami wrestling mat, they fought for a takedown. After 15 minutes, neither could claim victory. The prize money too had to be shared. And perhaps that was what made the contest even more memorable for those who gathered around the akhara: for once, a BJP-SP rivalry ended not in a political victory or defeat, but in a draw. News18 NewsletterHandpicked stories, in your inboxA newsletter with the best of our journalismKey Questions AnsweredPowered byAsk News18Joint events like the Nag Panchami Dangal, where political rivals participate, could foster better political relations by bringing people from diverse backgrounds onto a common platform and highlighting unifying aspects. Powered byAsk News18Location :First Published:August 17, 2026, 22:43 ISTDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to ourTerms of UseandPrivacy Policy. Loading comments. . . Read More