Indigenous games adorned 4th State-Level Barak Festival
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, December 15 2025: A vibrant display of indigenous games and traditional competitions marked the Cultural session of the ongoing 4th State-Level Barak Festival, 2025, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous communities of Senapati district.

As part of the festival celebrations, a variety of traditional games were organised, drawing enthusiastic participation from both men and women.

The events included pig catching, top spinning, stone lifting, pork fat consumption competition, arrow shooting competition and rooster catching for both men and women.

Alongside these activities, cultural exhibitions and traditional dances representing various tribes of Senapati were also presented, adding colour and depth to the programme.

The indigenous games highlighted the traditional lifestyle, survival skills and social practices passed down through generations.

Activities such as stone lifting and pig catching showcased agility, coordination, and focus.

The events reflected the values of discipline, endurance, teamwork, and resilience that were essential in earlier times.

Organisers stated that the primary objective of reviving these traditional games during public festivals is to preserve and promote cultural heritage while providing the younger generation an opportunity to learn and appreciate ancestral customs that may otherwise fade with modernisation.

The session also underscored the role of traditional games in fostering community bonding and unity, encouraging participation across age groups and genders.

The inclusion of women in various events reflected the spirit of gender inclusivity and equal participation in cultural practices.

The cultural exhibitions, including the cultural performances by Thangal and Zeliangrong cultural troupes, further enriched the session by showcasing the diversity and unity of different communities living together harmoniously.

The organisers noted that the inclusion of indigenous games was not merely for entertainment but served as an important platform for cultural preservation, education, and social harmony, ensuring that traditional knowledge, values and identity continue to thrive for future generations.

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