Menfolk in Kezoma Village prepare to play Pcheda/Luda. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | January 4
Traditional games and sports have undoubtedly become less popular as compared to conventional sports. However, one traditional game of the Southern Angami, Pcheda/Luda played with dried bamboo sticks still makes an interesting game for the menfolk in some of these villages.
And to make it more interesting, the season is right here, when the fervour game is opened in the beginning of January and played till February.
The game is popularly played by villages of Viswema, Jakhama, Kidima and Kezoma range villages. As with its season, villages informed that the game is going on in full swing on a daily basis.
As for the rules of the game, Pcheda/Luda is played with a type of thin bamboo stick called opche/olu that requires players to throw thin bamboo sticks from a set distance. The person who throws the stick to the farthest distance is declared winner.
It can be played individually or in two set of groups. However, the villages also informed that the game has more warmth and fun if played by more set of people.
For instance, the Kezoma villagers organise the game among peers in their khel. They form the team with a set of 10 people each or so, including both married and unmarried men.
“The stick is thrown 17 times, 8 and 9 times each to and fro.” These peers choose dates to organise the daylong event at location including roads or long passages and end the day with dog meat feasting. The game is exhilarating as the competitors take turns encourage their teammates.
In Viswema too, Pcheda was a highlight of the Sokren festival held recently.
