Kang Shanaba is a traditional sport native to
Manipur. It is played on the day between Manipur's New Year's Day and the Ratha Jatra Festival. There is a belief among the people that this game was played by gods and goddesses, soon after the earth was created. The word 'kang' refers a round object. Hence pushing or throwing of this round object is known by the title 'Kang Shanaba.'
Manipuris believe that the field, where the game is played, is the 'Field of Life.' The field covers an area of 36 x 17 inch, which is again divided into four sub courts. Actual boundary is called 'liri.'
Kang Shanaba is played by dividing the players into two groups. Generally each team contains seven players. Each participant holds a kang. The kangkhil is also a kang, which is to be fixed as the target. The face of the kangkhil is to be clearly marked, to distinguish it from its obverse side.
According to the myth, each player represents the seven days of the week. The chekphei and lamtha kangkhul are 15 in number on one side and both sides represent 30 days, making a complete month.
The game is started when a chekphei throws the kang from his position. At the same time the lamtha of second team pushes kangkhil from sitting position. If any one of the intermediate player hits the target, he is allowed to play again. Scores are recorded with the number of throws, pushes, as well as the number of hits on the target. The team which hits most is declared as the winner. Each player in the team gets an opportunity to throw kang.
