Do you know Assam is also popular for numerous traditional sports held on Magh Bihu that helps in the keeping the festive spirits alive? Explore more about them and find your favorite one.
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Traditional games have been an integral part of Magh Bihu since centuries. Sports held on Magh bihu is a method of enjoyment and recreation for the people of the villages as they come together with festive spirits during the winter chills.
Image: Two girls participating in Tekeli Phutuwa, one of the popular sports held on Magh Bihu
Magh Bihu, or Bhogali Bihu, is a celebration of harvest and enjoying foodstuff, but it is also associated with unique sports that are organized only on this occasion. Among the various sports held on Magh Bihu, some, like Moh-juj or buffalo fight, are very common.
Participating in martial arts competitions was common in the past, such as javelin throwing and swordplay. It was considered a traditional sport held on Magh Bihu. Young people used to camp on the banks of dry rivers and practice martial arts for weeks prior to Magh Bihu. Martial arts practice aided in protecting the homeland from invaders.
Let’s explore more about the traditional sports held on Magh Bihu
1. Moh Juj (Buffalo Fight)
On the occasion of Magh Bihu, people set up and enjoy domesticated buffalo fights in harvested paddy fields. We refer to it as Moh-Juj. Moh is a word for buffalo. Because they are drought and milch animals, domesticated water buffaloes are a valuable resource in the Assamese rural community. Also, natural grass grows easily and abundantly during the season. Hence, the water buffalo reach their peak strength during Magh Bihu. Once they gain sufficient physical strength, buffaloes, especially males, become more likely to fight.
Up until 2014, buffalo fights were placed in a significant number of villages as a part of sports held on Magh Bihu; however, Assam saw a sharp decline in buffalo fights as a result of an ordinance that was passed by the Supreme Court of India in 2014 that outlawed all forms of staged animal fights, but in 2024, it was revived.
2. Tekeli Phutuwa (Break the pot)
Tekeli Phutuwa is a fun game played by the villagers or local participants to keep up with the jolly spirits of Magh bihu. It is one of the popular sports held on Magh Bihu. Tekeli means an earthen pot, and phutuwa in Assamese means to pop or break. Basically, an earthen pot is placed on a vertical stick, and the participants are blindfolded.
Each participant is handed a stick and takes turns breaking the pot. If they hit their shot on the ground, they get eliminated, and the one to break the tekeli is called the winner. Simple yet interesting, right? It is even more fun when played with the people you know. There’s playful teasing and giggling that can be seen. A cheerful energy can be observed overall.
3. Bulbuli Fight and Cock Fight
In certain areas, it was customary to organize fights between pairs of Bulbuli, or nightingale birds, on the occasion of Magh Bihu. It was organized and carried out by knowledgeable individuals who had made certain preparations. The same is set up for a couple of cocks for the cockfight.
The tradition of Bulbuli fight traces back to the holy temple of Hayagriva madhav in Hajo. It is a fight between two Nightingale birds, and the strongest bird wins. It is unclear exactly when this custom of arranging bird fights began, but according to folklore, once a prince, while visiting Hayagriva Madhav, observed two Bulbuli birds fighting and was mesmerized by the sight. Ever since, such sports held on Magh Bihu have been an integral part of Assamese culture.
4. Thengal Dour
Thengal dour is among the other famous sports held on Magh Bihu. It is a race where participants wear long bamboo stilts on their legs and run the tracks. It is a unique traditional sport that has its roots back to the Ahom period. It is also called Dighal Thengia dour, which literally means long-legged race.
Imagine the people of your community that you usually see busy working in their day-to-day life finally participating and competing in such silly games to enjoy the few days of winter; that would be such a pleasant sight to witness.
5. Dhop Khel
Dhopkhel is an open-field game with two teams of eleven players and rubber balls. It was once one of the most popular indigenous games in the state. Among the popular sports held on Magh Bihu, played mostly by the young menfolk of the villages. In order to eliminate their opponents from the game, the players alternately toss the ball at them while attempting to catch it. It is a game of speed, endurance, and acrobatics.
However, the game is played according to some different rules in different parts of Assam. This game is usually more popular among girls. The dhop khel was traditionally among the sports held on Bihu to celebrate the New Year. It was once played as a spectator game to entertain the Ahom royalty. Efforts are currently being made to revive it, but it is no longer widely played in Assam.
6. Tanguti
Among the numerous sports held on Magh Bihu, Tanguti is a very popular game. In this match, there is a great deal of tension between the two sides. Two to thirty participants can participate in the game. Through gameplay, this game also fosters work ethic, team discipline, etc. A large area with little to no traffic is necessary for this game. The popular sport of cricket and the game of Tanguti share many similarities.
To play the game of Tanguti, you need two tools called Tanguti and Dendai. The tanguti is made by cutting it from a tree branch. It is cut and sharpened at both ends. The inclination should be in the opposite direction at both ends of the stick. The dendai stick is about two feet long; they are usually made by cutting whole bamboo, but tree branches can also be cut into pieces.
7. Naokhel (Boat Race)
Assam is a riverine state, and therefore water sports are very old and popular. These include boating or Naokhel. Boating is still a very popular sport. The game attracts tourists in Barpeta, Nalbari, and Palashbari, as well as the Goalpara region of Lower Assam. The rivers and tributaries of lower Assam take on a colorful appearance.
These boats are longer than ordinary boats and have different symbols and colors. Another folk custom associated with boating is the boating song. This is called a “Naoriya geet.”. These songs reflect indigenous life. It is one of the elements of the folk culture of Assam and a very popular sport held on Magh Bihu.
Significance of sports held on Magh bihu
Bihu is a time to celebrate athleticism, friendship, and the delight of healthy competition through traditional sports in addition to music, dance, and eating. Particularly during Magh Bihu, when people gather to play and support traditional activities that showcase Assam’s agrarian heritage and cultural vibrancy, sports held on Magh Bihu are an integral component of the celebration.
These sports and activities represent perseverance, cooperation, and the value of maintaining ties to one’s heritage in addition to being leisurely activities. Bihu sports, which range from fun activities to strength-based competitions, strengthen relationships between communities and promote friendliness and unity.
The celebratory atmosphere of Magh Bihu is enhanced by this dynamic fusion of sports and competitions, which results in a lively and enthusiastic celebration.
Rimjim Bora is a passionate researcher, writer, and storyteller. Being an Assamese, she takes pride in writing the vibrant stories of Assam, sharing its essence beyond the region. Contact Rimjim at rimjim@diversityassam.com.
