Sekkor

From Jharkhand

Sekkor is native to the tribal communities of Jharkhand, particularly played by the Munda tribe. Passed down through generations, Sekkor is a dynamic outdoor team game that combines strategy, agility, and strength. The game fosters communal bonding and showcases the tribal heritage of eastern India.

Sekkor is a 10 in. long cylindrical, oval shaped wooden object made with Kusum or Sal wood, of a diameter of about 8 in. at the centre and 3 in. at the narrow edges. It is hand-carved to allow rotation on its axis from one edge. The Ho tribals of the Chaibasa area of Jharkhand play this game.

The competition is based on striking the sekkors placed in the centre of the ground with the master sekkor that is in the player’s hands.

The objective is to send the sekkors out of the boundary. A cotton rope of 10 ft. is wrapped around the axis of the master sekkor to lift it up and throw it to collide with the targeted sekkors, like we lift and throw tops with a string. Here the thick, twisted cotton rope is tied and wrapped to the sekkor to send it far away with an unwinding of the rope. The team gets five points to hit the sekkor out of the boundary. The team player who sends it back to the ground also gets five points.

Sekkor is loosely attached with a string. The players in the team are usually in odd numbers, five being the minimum. The objective of the game is to keep on hitting the sekkor of the opponent team till it goes out of a marked circle. However, it is a time-bound game.

The goal is to use your Sekkor to strike the opponents’ Sekkors placed in the middle of the court.

Origin

Sekkor has deep roots in the tribal folklore and customs of Jharkhand, especially among the Munda, Ho, and Santhal tribes. The term ‘Sekkor’ is derived from the local tribal dialect and roughly refers to ‘hitting or striking,’ which is a core aspect of the game. Traditionally played after the harvest season, the game was a source of recreation and a method of preparing young men for hunting and warfare by improving their physical and tactical skills.

Historically, Sekkor was played in open village grounds, and spectators from neighboring villages gathered to watch the contests. It was also performed during tribal festivals and community gatherings, symbolizing unity and strength.

The Setup

Playground

A rectangular open ground, typically 40–60 meters in length and 20–30 meters in width. It is generally a flat, open field with mud or grassy surface.

Markings

Two goal areas are marked on opposite ends. These are called ‘Sekkor zones’.

Equipment

Sekkors, and rope to throw.

The Play

Teams

1.Two teams of 7 to 11 players each.
2.One team is designated as the attacking team, the other as the defending team. Roles switch after a goal or a specified time.

The main goal is to strike the ball with the stick and carry it into

the opponent’s goal area.

Players must defend their goal and attempt to intercept the ball. The image17 Below depicts an instance of the game.

Playing Method

1.The game begins with a toss. The winning team chooses to attack or defend first.
2.The ball is placed at the center of the ground and is struck by a player from the attacking team to begin play.
3.Players pass the ball among teammates using their sticks while attempting to advance toward the opponent’s goal.

4.Body contact is allowed to a limited extent, but hitting with the stick or violent physical contact is prohibited.
5.If a team scores, they receive one point and the game is restarted from the center.
6.The team with the highest score at the end of the allotted time (usually 30–45 minutes) is declared the winner.

Fouls and Penalties

High stick contact, intentional tripping, or use of hands results in a foul.

After a foul, the opposing team is awarded a free strike. Repeated fouls can lead to temporary suspension of the player.

Benefits of Playing Sekkor

Physical Benefits

Enhances muscle coordination, reflexes, and balance.

Improves cardiovascular health due to intense running and movement. Builds stamina and core strength.

Mental Benefits

1.Encourages strategic thinking and quick decision-making.
2.Fosters team spirit, discipline, and concentration.

Social and Cultural Benefits

1.Promotes community engagement and cultural identity.

.

2.Provides a platform for social cohesion and youth development in tribal areas.
3.Revives and sustains indigenous heritage and traditions.

Notes

Sekkor is more than just a game—it is a living tradition that encapsulates the physical vigor, cultural richness, and communal harmony of the tribal communities of Jharkhand. Recognizing and incorporating such indigenous games into mainstream education and recreation can pave the way for inclusive cultural preservation and holistic development of youth.