Bogoli thengia/Bambu stick walk

Introduction

A game of balance and is very popular all over the state. This game can be played by both males and females. The only thing required to play the game is a 3-metre long bamboo or wood stick (preferably a burnished and handy one.)

Each player has to lift both their legs on a small log made on the bottom of the bamboo to support their legs. Those who first reach the finish line without falling are declared the winners.

Materials required

Long pairs of strong bamboos with branches.

Method

Bamboo walking is very common in Northeast. First of all, the bamboos are required to be prepared. Each bamboo should be of 2-3 feet longer than the players, to avoid accident. Stronger portion of the bamboo having a knot with branch is used to help the player to climb on it. The bamboo is cut in such a way so that the knot is approximately one foot above the ground.

The branch at the knot needs to be trimmed properly leaving 6-8 inch apart from the knot. Then the entire bamboo is trimmed and smoothened properly. Each player carries one pair of bamboo holding them vertically.

They need to climb on the protruded portion of the branch in both the bamboos. The players need to maintain their balance while climbing. After that, the players have to walk with the support of the bamboos.

If it is a competition, they need to walk from starting line as soon as the starting signal comes towards the finishing line. Who reaches the finishing line first is the winner. Usually the first three players who reach/crosses the finishing line are considered as winners according to the order. Otherwise also the children draw fun out of this play. This game is generally played by the children above six years.

Variation 1. Long wooden rods are also used in some places instead of bamboo. In this case, a small piece of wood has to be fixed at the bottom portion of the rod. 2. Long straight branch of other trees with an extra branch to keep the feet, is also found using in some places.