MLA Kumo Sha inaugurates Mao Indigenous War Games 'Lerii Kaphi'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, November 28 2022: As part of the ongoing "Festival of Oneness," Mao Indigenous War Games or Lerii Kaphi was inaugurated by J Kumo Sha, MLA 47-Karong AC, as chief guest, Solomon Arow, president Naga People's Organization as guest of honour, L Dikho, MLA 48-Mao AC, as chief host, Mahesh Chaudhari, DC Senapati and Arnath Mitra, commanding officer 33 Assam Rifles, as special guests.

Leru Kaphi is an indigenous war game played during the Saleni Festival, post paddy plantation festival normally in the month of July.

It is a well-known game played by one of the renowned Mao Naga village called Pudunamei village in Senapati district.

This art of war game is a unique piece of tradition on earth.

The word Leru is derived from the pseudo stem of a plant called 'Hedychium' and Kaphi is the act of spearing with the stem of the plant.

This cherished and exciting tradition game has been passed down to the present generation by the visionary forefathers since time immemorial.

In reminiscence of the valour and courage of the great grandparents using spears and swords in the head-hunting days and also to inculcate the tradition to the future generation, the village practices Leru Kaphi every year with a great deal of zeal and enthusiasm even to this day.

The East Himalayan cardaon plant (Leru) represents both spear and sword in this war game.

From this game, men folks practice and learn not only to throw the spear to each other but also the know-how to escape from the warfare.

From the outcome of the game, the whole village would come to know who ran the fastest, who could throw Leru the best and who had the best technique of manoeuvring.

The best ones are then acknowledged in the Morungs and at public places.

Chief host of the festival MLA L Dikho said that Mao indigenous war game (Leru Kaphi) is one of the most attractive games played by the youth during and expressed his keenness to promote the game at state and national level.

Chief guest MLA J Kumo Sha in his speech said that the Sangai Festival under the theme "Festival of Oneness" will give the message that all are one just in different ways.

The Sangai Festival at different places of the state show the oneness of Manipur state under the leadership of N Biren Singh as the chief minister.

The MLA was hopeful that Manipur would become a better and peaceful place state.

Solomon Arow, president NPO, also spoke at the event.

The programme commenced with traditional blessing from His Majesty, Pfosiio, village chief, followed by Sangai Festival greetings by Dr Loli Saheni, president Mao Council.

Traditional fire making, Mao traditional horn blowing, Mano traditional warrior act, Thang-Ta warrior performances and Mao indigenous war games were part of the event.

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