HT Bureau
Diphu, Jan 16: In the diverse gamut of traditional games and sports played among the ethnic tribes of Northeast India, the game of ‘Hambi’ stands out as a captivating highlight, cherished by the Karbi tribe in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.
As part of the third-day festivities during the golden jubilee celebration of the Karbi Youth Festival (KYF), organised by the Karbi Cultural Society (KCS), the 11th Hambi Kepathu Tournament unfolded at Hambi Kepathu Aklam, Taralangso. This tournament, organised by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), reflects the cultural vitality embedded in the region’s heritage.
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‘Hambi’ is commonly known as the African Dream herb or snuff box sea bean. It is a wild, strong, and large creeper that spreads on trees. The seeds of this bean are used for the game. In older days, it was a popular game among village youths but is almost disappearing.
Origin of the game: Legends say that the first Hambi game was played by the siblings Ham Tungjang or Kaham Tungjang and Bi Tungjang. The first two words, Ham and Bi, were combined to form the name ‘Hambi.’ Folklore mentions that Hambi creepers reached from earth to the sky (heaven). However, women faced difficulty raising their pestles while pounding paddy, and someone had to cut it off.
How the game is played: The game involves two teams, each consisting of three players. The opposing team places the Hambi seeds on the ground inside their territory called ‘rong.’ Players from the other side aim to hit the Hambi seeds. The team that completes 25 steps by hitting the Hambi seeds is declared the winner. There is a team leader or captain called ‘Klengsarpo.’
The 25 steps include Rong ap, Jir, Chalobat, Harchon, Hanthu, Har-o, Bong kejoi, Phekpi, Hapa, Churi, Langkheilot, Karchak, Karhek, Kanchon, Chengso, Mekdang, Hangklir, Pherklum, Vo-um, Vohi, Nung, Sui-e, Batur, Rabat, and Bahep.
At the Hambi ground in Taralangso, the KAAC-appointed Tribal Culture Research Officer (TCRO), Dilip Kathar, mentioned that to popularize the game, the Cultural Affairs Department of KAAC has been organizing the tournament at the village and district levels. Kathar also emphasized that it is the national game of the Karbis, and to promote it, both the KAAC and the State government should take initiative.
Meanwhile, the KCS President, Chandrosing Kro, informed that among the Karbi tribe, various traditional sports exist, such as Hambi Kepathu, Pholong Keparting (top spinning), Thengtom Langvek (torch swimming), Kengdongdang (bamboo stilt race), Sonsuri Kachevung (tug of war), Sekserek (sticks game), Hon Kejeng (spinning of cotton), and many more. ‘Hambi Kepathu’ in particular has become the tribe’s identity.
He said, “We are considering how ‘Hambi Kepathu’ can be promoted to the national and international levels. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has announced the preservation and promotion of traditional games. We appreciate the Prime Minister for such an announcement. We are working on how we can promote the game, and we are confident that we can take it to the state, national, and international levels.”
