The 200-sqm wrestling field, built hundreds of years ago, is filled with liquid mud. At both ends of the yard, two holes, 80cm deep and 50cm wide, are dug for the goals.

In the early morning, water is poured into the field to knead the mud.

Careful preparations are made to ensure a safe and successful festival.

Wrestlers of competing teams perform a traditional ritual in front of the temple, in which they drink wine to boost their strength and spirit

The ball made of wood from jack-trees is placed in front of the temple’s yard

Before the competition, wrestlers hold a symbolic competition in front of the temple

Each team has 8 members. The team that places the ball in the hole of the other wins

Members of both teams take a break

The ball falls on to the ground despite the players’ efforts

Whenever the ball falls to the ground, wrestlers have to raise the ball, lower it, and compete to take it.

Beautiful moments of the competition take place in the afternoon despite the temperature reaching 39 DC at times

The mud ball wrestling festival attracts crowds of reporters and photographers