TRADITIONAL STYLE OF POUMAI NAGA WRESTLING (POYU)

Abstract

This research explores the depth of Poumai Naga Traditional Wrestling called ‘Poyu’
witnessing a leaping growth as a prominent sport in the region. Since the unversed practice of
head-hunting in the pre-Christian era, there is a unique belief system in the existential life of
Living novel chapter. Poyu reference to the men’s role is a cultural practice in the form of
physical contestation deeply rooted in the social and religious festivals of the Poumai Naga tribe.
The present study presents the significance of cultural and traditional games called Poyu in
denoting as a catalyst for promoting community bonds, physical prowess, and its uniqueness of
preserving traditional and cultural practice. It also examines the dimension of traditional rules,
styles, skills, and ritual practice associated with the games. This game is one of the illustrious
religious festivals among the Poumai Naga tribe in Senapati District Manipur. It is demarcated
into three circles according to regional convenience. The Lepaona circle played during the
famous traditional festivals of ‘Paoki’ (Paddy Plantation), the Paomata circle played during
‘Laonii’(Post-Plantation), and the Chilevai circle played during ‘Daonii/Marunii’ (seed sowing
festival) celebrated according to the ‘Lunar Calendar’. The present work on Traditional wrestling
has been left uncontested and unrecorded over the last decades. Therefore, the study shall
fundamentally delve into the distinct techniques and schemes of traditional wrestling in
reciprocity with the ritual festivals.