Manipur, a northeastern Indian state, boasts a rich cultural heritage with abundant festivals celebrated throughout the year. Its significance is further enriched by its vibrant arts and culture, as well as excellent sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country. Whether it’s football, hockey, badminton, or weightlifting, Manipuri sportspersons have left an indelible mark on young minds.
Sports have long been integral to Manipuri children’s upbringing. Traditional indigenous sports like Se Se Seboti, Amaangbi, and Swaa promote physical fitness, while others like Marum Konbi and Cheitek Lotpi foster critical thinking.
However, with the rise of technological gadgets like TVs, smartphones, and tablets, children have stopped playing these sports outdoors. As a result, preserving traditional games and sports becomes essential. This article aims to highlight and preserve Manipur’s traditional games and sports from the past.
Khullokpi/Khutlokpi
“Khutlokpi/Khullokpi” might have originated from the Meitei words ‘khut’ (hand) and ‘lokpa/okpa’ (catch) . Literally translating to catching stones with the hands, it is a traditional indigenous game, predominantly played by girls, although boys also participate. The game involves collecting small pebbles and progressing through various stages, culminating in a climax. Players toss the pebbles in the air, manipulating them with their hands. Over time, subsequent generations have introduced additional levels to the game.
Komdaabee
‘Komdaabee’ is a team game involving two teams. Players hit the ball with their bare hands, and a player from the opposing team catches it and throws it into a kom (pit) before the hitter completes a lap around the game circle. The circle is typically formed using players’ sandals. This game bears similarities to cricket. It was typically played in the evenings, after school hours, in open courtyards. This energetic game was enjoyed by both girls and boys, promoting physical fitness and overall well-being. As players actively engaged their hands and legs throughout, Komdaabee fostered coordination, agility, and teamwork.
Phibul Haabi
Phibul Haabi is a traditional indigenous Manipuri game played in the afternoon by young boys and girls. In this game, one player bends down to form a horse, while another player sits on top. The top player forms a ball using an unused cloth (phi) and throws it to another player in a similar arrangement. Players form a circle and throw the ball to each other. The player who drops the ball is out. Players take turns playing the horse.
Additionally, Phibul Haabi features in the Lai Haraoba festival, where two Maibis (female priests) play around the Chong Khong pole. The game symbolizes Lord Lainingthou and Lairembi playing for progeny propagation.
Cheitek Lotpi
Cheitek Lotpi is a game played in fields (lampak) by young boys and girls. In Meitei language, ‘Cheitek’ means ‘stick’ and ‘Lotpi’ means ‘hiding’. Therefore, the game literally translates to ‘hiding the stick’.
As the name implies, players select a stick, show it to their opponents, and then hide it. This game is primarily played in lampaks, where tall grasses provide ideal hiding spots for sticks. Players take turns hiding and searching for the sticks. This game enhances young children’s eyesight and develops their critical thinking skills.
Keku Lotpi
Keku Lotpi is the Manipuri version of hide and seek. Children play this game with great enthusiasm in the afternoons. In this game, multiple players hide, while one player, called ‘amangba’, searches for them. Specific rules prohibit players from hiding in certain areas to make the amangba’s task easier.
Playing this game at noon is considered undesirable due to prevailing superstitions. Additionally, elders often frighten children into quitting the game by instilling fear of the ‘kaachin laimu’ (corner demon). According to elders, the kaachin laimu terrorizes children hiding in house corners.
Nom Nom Sagai Tong
‘Nom Nom Sagai Tong
Chanaba Leite Takhen Thang’.
Nom Nom Sagai Tong is an ancient Meitei game played by young boys and girls. In this game, children sit on low-hanging tree branches for safety and recite sanarol (playing lines). Initially, the game appears straightforward, showcasing children’s joy and merriment. However, the sanarol conveys a profound message, encouraging people to conserve resources for future generations and promote self-sufficiency. Regrettably, Nom Nom Sagai Tong has largely disappeared from modern times, with today’s children largely unfamiliar with this traditional game.
Uraobi (U-Laobi)
‘Udei chaoba khongnangni, mana pung ba heinou ni,
Keishampat ki tenawa, heinouna mulaga
Tenawana haraoe, te te tenawa…’
Uraobi, a traditional Manipuri game, originated from “U-laobi,” meaning uttering the sound “u.” Initially played by both boys and girls, it is now predominantly played by girls. This war-like game symbolizes the internal conflicts or civil wars among clans and principalities before the formation of the Manipur state. The game Involves two teams: raiders and defenders.
Defenders stand inside a circle, representing prisoners of war, while raiders attempt to touch them without taking a breath. The distance between the two circles is agreed upon by both teams. A raider utters “u” continuously, trying to touch a defender. If successful, the defender is out. However, if the raider pauses while uttering “u,” they become vulnerable to being touched and declared out.
Teams alternate roles after all players are eliminated, promoting strategy, teamwork, and endurance. Notably, the breathing practice involved in Uraobi also provides physical benefits, strengthening the lungs and keeping internal organs related to breathing intake healthy. This ancient game cultivates both physical and mental well-being.
Tong Tong Tongdrumbi
The following are the playing lines for Tong Tong Tongdrumbi:
“Tong Tong Tongdrumbi, Chakrik Nakrik Chawaibi
Thadoi Koubina, Lai Marol Machin Thi
Temu Temu Matol Sana
Chichou Chachou,
Ama Khat Khattok o.”
In this game, players lay out their palms, and one player gently taps them while reciting the gameplay verse. The hand that receives the final word ‘khattok u’ is eliminated. The game continues until only one player remains.
Amaangbi
“Amaangbi” was a favourite among Manipuri children in the past. The game starts with one player being chosen as the ‘amangba’, whose task is to catch the other players. The remaining players run around the field, with the amangba chasing them until one is caught. The person caught by the amangba becomes the new amangba, and the game resumes. Amaangbi keeps children fit and healthy and has produced many talented athletes. The name has since evolved into something similar to ‘bicks’, with the origins of this name change remaining unclear.
Khongchongbi
“Khongchongbi” is a traditional game played by young boys and girls, helping to keep their legs healthy and strong. The game begins with two players sitting down, stretching their legs so their feet touch. While the remaining players take turns jumping over, the game gradually becomes more challenging. Eventually, all four feet are stacked, which the remaining players must jump over. A player who fails to clear the jump is eliminated.
Marum Konbi
Marum Konbi is typically played between two players and is suitable for both boys and girls. Six pairs of circles are drawn on the floor, with five pebbles (or marbles) placed in each circle. Players alternate turns, removing five pebbles from any circle and redistributing them across the remaining circles. The game continues until a completely empty circle is encountered. The pebbles from the adjacent circle are then captured by the player, earning them a ‘Chaaba’. The game continues until all pebbles have been claimed.
Se Se Seboti
The sanarol (playing lines) of Se Se Seboti, a traditional indigenous game played exclusively by girls, are as follows:
‘Se Se Seboti, Laishram Macha Bubhati
Nanga Eiga Kaonasi, Kanana Ngamge Yengnasi
Kouna Phuktum Phuktokke, Thambou Thekkum Thektokke
Leisabi Phidup Singnasi, Pakhang Khudei Singnasi, Swaa‘
In this game, two players sit in a squatting position, facing each other, with hands on their waist and one leg stretched out to the side. They begin the play by shouting ‘Swaa’ and kicking their legs sideways alternately, while reciting the traditional sanarol. The player who continues jumping and kicking sideways without touching the ground for the longest duration is declared the winner. This game keeps young girls physically healthy and fit, strengthening their thighs and hips and keeping the growing girl physically and mentally healthy.
According to historical accounts, the sanarol ‘Se Se Seboti’ originated during the reign of King Garibniwaz. This traditional chant is said to have emerged from a historic contest between Ramanandi missionary Santidas Gosai and Meitei scholar Chingu Maichou Khongnangthaba, who debated the superiority of their respective religions.
Conclusion
This article has only scratched the surface, as there are many more traditional games worth exploring. These traditional indigenous games are gradually disappearing from our society due to urbanization and other contributing factors. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to preserve and promote these traditional games, ensuring our children stay physically active while connecting with our cultural roots.
References
- A historical appraisal on the selected traditional children’s games of Manipur : Dr. Moirangthem Boby Singh.
- Budha W. Indigenous games of the Meiteis, Wangkheimayum Publication, Imphal.
- Singh MB, Traditional Games of Manipur: A Historical Study, Unpublished Thesis, Manipur University, 2024.
- Nanao Comics, Youtube Channel.
Daniel Yumkham | Film Critic and Researcher
Passionate about history and Manipuri culture, Daniel shares film reviews and research on:
-Manipuri Cinema (Instagram : thefilmdiary )
-Regional History and Traditions.