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About The Asian reporter. (Portland, Or.) 1991-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2018)
The Asian Reporter Pacific Northwest News q Volume 28 Number 1 q January 1, 2018 q www.asianreporter.com Ancient wrestling offers a future for some in modern India Baby panda melts hearts of fans in debut Page 2 50 couples marry in mass ceremony Page 3 KUSHTI DEVOTEES. India’s Jodha, right, competes with Pakistan’s Mohammed Ali during the seventh “Mission Dosti” Indian-style wrestling competition at Katra, about 30 miles from Jammu, India, in this file photo. The annual friendly event features participants from India, Pakistan, and England. (AP Photo/Channi Anand, File) By Nick Perry The Associated Press AHADURGARH, India — Wearing nothing but loincloths, a group of boys warm up by climbing sturdy ropes that take them high into the trees. One teenager walks around the wrestling pit swirlling incense, blessing the arena, and preparing it for battle. On this evening, as the dusk thickens and the bugs venture out, a couple dozen B Recipe: Shrimp and Pineapple Brochette Page 13 young devotees of kushti, the ancient Indian style of wrestling, have gathered to face off. They range in age from 10 to 16. The earth in the pit has been prepared as it has been for centuries, turned over and mixed with sawdust, turmeric, and ghee, or clarified butter. It’s mildly fragrant and soft to the touch, making it easier on the wrestlers’ skin. These devotees, or pehelwans, have made a commitment that extends beyond the hours they spend practicing each morning and evening. They live an ascetic lifestyle, eating specific foods like almond milkshakes and chapattis slathered with ghee. They don’t eat meat and refrain from smoking, drinking, and dating. The sport, thought to be 2,000 years old, is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts and depicted in temple carvings. Although women wrestlers have made strides recently in India, the vast majority of participants are men. Continued on page 3 Mark your calendar! The Year of the Dog begins February 16, 2018. Physical Therapy & Massage Dr. Lina Tran, DC Auto & Work Injuries 4124 SE 82nd Ave., #700 Portland, OR 97266 (Inside Eastport Plaza) (503) 206-8863 The Asian Reporter’s Lunar New Year special issue in honor of the Year of the Dog will be published on Monday, February 5. 6035 SW 185th Ave. Aloha, OR 97078 (Farmington Rd. & 185th) (503) 992-6080 AccidentWellness.com The Asian Reporter 922 N. Killingsworth St. Portland, OR 97217 USA LOTTERY GAMES ARE BASED ON CHANCE E AND AN D SH SHOULD BE PLAYED FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY. ODDS AND PAYO PAYOUT UTS VARY BY GAME.