Traditional Games and Sports of Arunachal Pradesh
The largest state of the North East in area, Arunachal Pradesh is a mystic land thinly populated with hilly tract engulfing the state comprising majority of the 83,573 square kilometers. Inhabitated by a large number of Tribal communities, this beautiful land is known to be rich in flora, fauna, power and mineral potential. Dancing and sports form a vital element in the zest and joy of living of the tribals. For them sports form part of rituals, during festivals along with colorful dances which are a source of recreation for the tribal people.The major traditional sports of the state are :-
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Hole Taso Dukanaram This game tests the participants overall balance, strength and coordination. A very physically demanding sports called ‘Hole Taso Dukanaram’ is a peculiar game which involves the imitation of an animal called Hole Taso. This animal is quite like a cat, and runs around beating its chest alternately with both its front paws.
Hinam Turnam
Locally known as the game of the Struggle of Life and Death, here in this game the participants assume the role of the hunter and the hunted in the forest. The quandary of the unfortunate hunter, who having missed the prey due to poor marksmanship, is an integral part of the game
Porok – Pamin Sinam or Cock – fighting
This is the normal cock fight played elsewhere in India . With one leg held in his hand and the other hand on his shoulder, the contestant has one leg to hop on, and achieve his objective of pushing his opponent out of the circle. The rule says that any of the two players who falls to the ground, or loses his hold on his leg, or steps out of the circle, is disqualified.
Archery and Trekking
Other than the above mentioned, Archery is the most popular and loved game of Arunachal Pradesh and is played especially during the Losar festival New Year Celebration . This period falls in the month of February or March. The bows and arrows in archery are made of bamboo, and are of varying lengths and sizes. Trekking through the challenging terrains of Arunachal Pradesh with outstanding flora and fauna is breath-holding. Each of the routes to the trek is a quite unique experience and offers great knowledge to the trekkers .
River Rafting
With majestic water bodies and rivers River Rafting is extreme and long-lasting thrills in the furious rivers of the hills . The rivers in the upper Himalayan range especially Brahmaputra are the best for river rafting sports, with many highs & lows.
This is a part of a series of article on the Role Of North-East in Indian Sport. You can pursue the prequels by clicking below:
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2010/05/14/the-role-of-north-east-the-unique-sports-of-manipur/
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2010/05/07/india-football-the-role-of-north-east-part-ii-lajong-fc/
