Assam: Karbi-traditional game “Hambi” being kept alive even after decades
By VIVIAN L RONGPI | Diphu | March 7, 2019
In an attempt to preserve and promote the heritage Karbi traditional game, "Hambi" was organised by the cultural Affairs department of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and was concluded here on Thursday.
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Borjan Karbi Cultural Society (KCS) Zone finishes first to clinch the title of 6th Hambi Kepathu-Karbi traditional game in a final match played at Borjan playground on Thursday. In the final match between Borjan KCS Unit and Diphu Govt. College KCS Unit, the former won in two consecutive matches played in three sets to win the title. There are 25 levels needed to complete and the one finishes first is the winner. The game is played by three players standing on each opposite sides and take aims to hit the Hambi (seabean) of the opponent team inside the box. From level 1 it goes on to the last 25 level.
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Borjan won the game by 25:20 and 25:16.
A prize distribution function was organized to give away the prizes to the winning teams. Trophy including cash prize of Rs.20 and certificate was given away by Executive Member (EM) KAAC incharge Art & Culture, Rupsing Teron, while the prize for runners team Borjan with trophy including cash prize of Rs.15,000 and certificate was given away by Cultural Affairs, Deputy Director, Hemari Tokbi. Third place Donkamukam KCS Zone received a tropy, cash prize of Rs.10,000 and certificate, while fourth place was adjudged to Singhason KCS Zone. Cash prize and certificate was given to them.
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Sarlinja Engti of Singhason KCS Zone received the best player of the tournament award with trophy and cash prize.
EM Teron said not only Hambi kepathu, but there are other traditional games and sports that need to be revived.
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"The Cultural Affairs department has organized Hambi kepathu for the 6th year already and now many could play the game. Not only Hambi kepathu, but there are other traditional games and sports which are forgotten and should be revived. During my tenure as EM incharge of Art & Culture I will work to popularize other traditional games and sports as well."
He also said many do not know how to count the names of days of a week in Karbi and urged to use the names of days of a week in Karbi during writing or speaking to be familiar with it. He said a permanent site can be set-up either at Taralangso so that all traditional games and sports can be organized.
The prize distribution function was attended by Karbi traditional Music, Culture & Research Centre, principal, Dilip Kathar, SGBs of Borjan and local leaders.
