The State of Assam has a vibrant folk culture with many types of traditional games and sports. Traditional games or sports in Assam are not just for leisure and enjoyment; they also contribute to fitness, socialization, and mental skill building. These games may also include traditions that have been refined over time (e.g. ‘egg’ and buffalo fights), but they are often under scrutiny because of the way the animal lives and dies. Many traditional games have gone through processes of change over time, such as Haugudu, which could be an ancestor to Kabaddi, and Kori Khel could potentially stand as a precursor to Ludo.
We provide an overview of some traditional games and sports popular in Assam:
Traditional Games:
- Haugudu: Sing rhyme while standing in a circle, may have informed Kabaddi.
- Kori Khel: Most popular in Ahom royalty, possibly ancestor of Ludo.
- Dhop-Khel: When players throw and catch a ball; Bihu festival game; players throw a ball at others; running around to avoid being tagged and hit with a ball.
- Kho-Kho: A traditional Indian game involving chasing and tagging.
- Gella-Chutt: Another game inciting action coupled with displayed social time with others.
- Koni Juj (Egg Fight): A tradition where individuals tap their eggs with other players’ eggs though it receives scrutiny for treatment of animal.
- Moh Juj (Buffalo Fight): Two buffalo bulls battle in a ring until one is assessed as a winner in the bout.
- Kar Khel (Archery): Popular sport likely engaged by many villages have their own archery clubs in the village.
- Traditional Games: Many more games including those from children and women in the various communities in Assam could be identified.
Folk Culture and Traditions:
• Bihu: Bihu is one of Assam’s most prominent cultural events, celebrating the changing seasons. It primarily serves the state’s rural culture and civilisation, and it signifies the start of the Assamese New Year.
• Jhumur Dance: A dance form of the tea tribes, where girls and boys dance together in synthesis.
• Mekhela Chador: The traditional attire of women of Assam.
• Gamocha: A hand-woven cloth, symbolizes Assam’s weaving tradition.
• Traditional Handicrafts: Assam has a rich tradition of crafts: cane and bamboo work, silk and cotton weaving, ceramics, etc
Significance of Traditional games and Society:
Cultural Preservation: Games help to preserve the cultural tradition of Assam and its various different communities.
Physical and Mental Fitness: Various traditional games often embrace physical activity and also cognitive development.
Social Relationships: Games provide means for people to interact, learn from each other, and build up social relations.
Fun Recreation: Traditional games offer entertainment, as well as recreation to people of all ages.
