Celebrating Tradition: The Rich Heritage of Tipra/Tripura Traditional Games

By Pankaj Debbarma

October 18, 2023

The indigenous communities of Tipra/Tripura have upheld a rich array of traditional games, known as ‘thwngmung’ in their native Kokborok language. These games, serving as a source of both entertainment and education, embody the essence of the community’s cultural heritage. These traditional pastimes not only provide a means of leisure but also instil values such as teamwork, physical prowess, strategic thinking, and imaginative play among the younger generations. Embodying the spirit of their ancestors, these games continue to be a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of the Tipra/Tripura cultural legacy. While the march of modernization and urbanization has led to a decline in the popularity of these games, they remain an integral part of the collective memory and identity of the Tipra/Tripura people. Some remote areas still keep these cultural practices alive.

Here is an overview of some of these culturally rich traditional games:

1. Bamboo grappling (‘uah bai phan solaimung’): Pole wrestling is an intriguing game that involves two individuals grappling with a smooth, thick bamboo pole. The objective is to push the opponent backward and attempt to bring them down.
2. Imaginative culinary role play (‘mai-mui song thwngmung’): This game revolves around imaginative role-play, where children mimic the process of gathering ingredients, cooking, and sharing meals. They use sand and leaves as symbolic representations of various food items.
3. Tug of war (‘dwkhwi sotanma’): Tug of war, a game played by both children and adults, serves as a test of sheer strength and teamwork. Participants divide into two teams and attempt to pull the opposing team over a marked line.
4. Frog jumps (‘yongla baharmung’): This game mimics the leaping movements of a frog. Children sit on their haunches, holding their ankles with hands behind their calves and imitating the jumping motion of a frog.
5. Top Spinning (‘chur’): Top spinning involves the creation of wooden tops, which are spun using a string or thin rope. Players compete to see whose top can outlast the others, with the goal of toppling the opponent’s tops.
6. Swinging (‘longgai chokmani’): Swinging is a popular game among Tipra children. Ropes or creepers are hung from sturdy tree branches, with a seat attached at the end. Children enjoy the thrill of swinging back and forth.
7. Elevated balance walk (‘koldong’): This game captivates the youth with the excitement of walking at an elevated height. Using notched bamboo poles, children attempt to maintain their balance and walk above the ground.
8. Pop-Gun (‘nailya uahsa’): The pop-gun, a beloved toy, is crafted from a green bamboo barrel and small rounded fruits of the ‘Pichala’ tree. It provides amusement as children playfully aim and shoot the fruits using the bamboo plunger.
9. Wrestling (‘solaimung’): Wrestling is a physical duel between two young individuals, testing their strength and agility. Hand-wrestling and seated wrestling are common variations of this game.
10. Hide and Seek (‘Bumari kotor’): A classic game played predominantly by children, where one participant seeks out others who have hidden themselves. The game fosters strategic thinking and teamwork as the roles of seeker and hider rotate during the gameplay.

These traditional games not only contribute to the cultural fabric of the Tipra/Tripura community but also serve as a means of fostering social bonds and imparting essential life skills among the participants. As the community strives to preserve its cultural identity, these traditional games serve as pillars that uphold the spirit and values of the Tipra/Tripura people. They are a testament to the resilience and vitality of a community that continues to cherish its past while navigating the winds of change. In the face of an ever-evolving world, the traditional games remain a beacon, guiding the younger generation to understand and appreciate their roots, culture, and the importance of preserving their unique heritage.