As They Play It

– Sirish Oruganti, 3rd year, ECE

– Zara Khan, 1st year, PCT

Largely unexplored and undisturbed by man, the North East holds a mystical charm, with virgin jungles and pristine water bodies. The culture and customs are as diverse as other part of the country. Festivals and celebrations are an integral element of their closely-knit communities.

Another thing that the locals love are the traditional Sports and Games. Here, we have a list of some of the games which you might witness the locals playing enthusiastically.

ASSAM

Dhopkhel, transliterated as ‘Dhoop Khel’ is the most popular game here, played by two teams of 11 players each, inside a 125-metre long and 80-metre wide field. A rubber ball is thrown to the playing court of the opposing group to hit one of their members. If the attempt is a success, then the member who was hit with ball has to leave the game. This way, the team that is able to oust all their opponents, wins.

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Porok-Pamin Sinam is a competition that tests the flexibility and balance of the participants. Competitors hold one of their legs in their hand and keep the other hand on their shoulder. They hop on only one leg and attempt to hit their rival and push him out of the marked circle. Whoever is able to achieve this feat, wins the competition.

SIKKIM

 

The most sought-after traditional sport in Sikkim is Archery, which has roots in the warrior culture of its inhabitants. Men aim at a 3-feet long and 1-foot wide target from a distance of 130 metres. Women give these matches a rather colourful tone by hurling abuses at opponents of the men they are supporting. Some even come between the Archers and their targets to distract them and make them miss their mark!

MANIPUR

The state of Manipur is known for many indigenous sports, one of the most famous one is Khong Kangjei. The game is played with seven players on either side and each player is equipped with a bamboo stick measuring 4 feet in length made in the form of modern hockey stick. The game is started with a throw of the ball made of bamboo root in the field of 200×80 yards in area. A player may carry the ball in any manner to the goal, he may even kick it but he has to score the goal only by hitting the ball with his stick.

MIZORAM

Insuknawr is played by two people, who stand in a circle. A single rod, about 8-feet long is held by both opponents under their armpits. As per the rules, at least 4 inches of the rod-length should be under the armpits and the rod should stay symmetrical to the centre of the circle. The participants attempt to throw each other out of the circle by pushing the rod and the opponent.

TRIPURA

Gella Chutt, is played by two teams of 7-10 players each with great zeal in Tripura. One group is called the ‘In’ group, while the other is ‘Out’ group. The ‘In’ group appoints a ‘Leader’, and ‘Out’ group invades its court. The former attempts to stop the invasion by touching the opposing members, in an attempt to keep their leader safe. If the leader is touched, he is declared dead, following which the teams interchange their roles.

NAGALAND

 

A game known as Cock-Fighting originated in Nagaland, and it is played by two men, who try to win the surrender of their rival by continuously kicking him. Whoever is able to show resilience emerges victorious.

MEGHALAYA

In the game of Wa Pong Sala, opponents sit in front of each other with stretched legs and a bamboo stick kept between them. They attempt to pull each other by their hands. The one who pulls his opponent from the ground, wins.

 

courtesy Holiday Destinations India