Meitei traditional games

in the imperial moat of the Kangla Fort of Imphal]]
 (traditional Meitei polo)]]

**Meitei traditional games** are an important part of the cultural heritage of the Meitei people (also known as Manipuris) in Manipur, Assam, Tripura as well as in Bangladesh and Myanmar. These games are not just for fun; they are closely connected to social, spiritual, and community life. They have ancient roots and show the values, skills, and beliefs of the Meitei civilisation, often focusing on agility, teamwork, strategy, and endurance. Played during different seasons and festivals, these games encourage unity, a sense of belonging, and respect for nature, while also helping pass down knowledge to future generations.

### Hiyaang Taannaba 
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Hiyang Tannaba (/hiyaang taannaba/), or boat race (), is a traditional Meitei game held in November. It was introduced during the reign of King Khunjaoba, the son of King Khagemba, who built the Kangla Fort moat in 1660.

### Kaangkhin 
Kaangkhin () or Kaangkhil () is a plant whose seeds are traditionally used in a Meitei children's game, especially by girls. In the game, a player places a Kaangkhin seed on the dorsal side of her foot and lifts that leg while jumping with the other leg to reach a destination. The player must not let the seed fall off her foot. At the destination, there are other Kaangkhin seeds already placed, and the goal is to hit those seeds by using her foot to throw her own Kaangkhin seed, without using her hands.

### Khullokpi 
Khullokpi () is a traditional Meitei children's game in which players gather small, durable objects like pebbles, brick fragments, or seeds. They place these objects on the dorsal side of their palm, throw them upwards, and then quickly turn their palm upwards to catch as many falling objects as possible before they hit the ground. The objects that are caught are used in the next round, and the process continues until all objects are used.

### Marum Konbi 
Marum Konbi () or Malum Konpi () is a traditional Meitei children's game where children simulate the incubation of eggs. They dig small ditches in the ground and use spherical or roughly round objects, such as marble balls, seeds, or other items, as "eggs" to be placed in the ditches.

### Phibul Haabi 
Phipul Haapi (), or Phibul Haabi (), is a traditional Meitei children's game open to both genders. In the game, one child acts as a horse while another becomes the rider, sitting on the horse’s back. Teams are formed, and the players create a large circle facing inward. They pass a large ball made from a pile of clothes, with one player throwing and another catching the ball. There are six horses and six riders, forming six pairs. The roles of horse and rider are swapped regularly. Team members cheer and encourage each other throughout the game. Unfortunately, this game is now nearly extinct and is no longer widely played.

### Seboti 
Sepoti Kaonapa (), or Seboti Kaonaba (), is a traditional Meitei children's game where two players squat and try to kick their opponent as long as possible. The game is typically played by one pair of players, but can involve up to 7 or 8 pairs of participants. The winner is the player who can kick the opponent for the longest duration while maintaining the squat position.

### Yen Kaonabi 
Yen Kaonabi () or Yen Kaonapi () is a traditional Meitei children's game where two boys play the roles of "cock/rooster fighting." The players fold their arms, raise one leg, and hop to push the opponent to the ground.

## Related pages 
* Meitei traditional weapons
* Meitei martial arts
* Meitei festivals
* Meitei people in Bangladesh
* Meitei people in Myanmar

## References