The Northeastern region of India is famous for its adventurous sports, and Meghalaya stands out with its unique traditional games. One such game is Shillong Teer, locally known as “Thoh Tim.” In Hindi, “Teer” means arrow, and this game revolves around archery.
Origins and Nature of Shillong Teer
Shillong Teer is a lottery game that combines archery with dream interpretation, played for centuries by the Khasi tribe in Shillong, Meghalaya. The game takes place every evening except on Sundays and holidays. Archers shoot arrows at a target, and spectators predict the outcome before the shooting starts.
Popularity and Organization of Shillong Teer
The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association organizes Shillong Teer, involving about 12 archery clubs competing at the Polo Ground in Shillong. The game is highly popular among locals, who bet on common numbers to win money. Mastering the common number trick can significantly increase the chances of winning. The lottery aspect adds excitement, attracting both locals and tourists. Although only men participate as archers, women are welcome to watch. The game is predominantly played by older men and is safe, with no reported injuries among participants.
Legalized under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act of 1982, Shillong Teer provides entertainment and a source of income, which has been particularly beneficial during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gameplay and Structure of Shillong Teer
Shillong Teer is a captivating game played both offline and online. Participants include archers who shoot arrows and bettors who wager on predicted numbers. The target’s height ranges from 61 cm to 102 cm, with a circumference between 66 cm and 127 cm, set at a distance between 15.21 m and 30.48 m. Archers aim at the target, and the results determine the winners.
Rounds and Result Announcements
The game consists of two rounds. In the first round, 50 archers each shoot 30 arrows. In the second round, 30 archers each shoot 20 arrows. Teer results are announced at 3:45 pm and 4:45 pm IST, respectively, based on the total number of arrows hitting the target.
Betting and Winning in Shillong Teer
Participants can bet on numbers ranging from 0 to 99. For every 1 rupee bet, a person can win Rs. 80 in the first round and Rs. 60 in the second round. Predicting the correct numbers in both rounds can yield Rs. 4000, a two-round prediction known as a forecast.
The Role of Common Numbers in Shillong Teer
Common numbers in Shillong Teer are often associated with dreams. Locals link specific numbers to particular dreams, such as 6 with a male, 5 with a female, 37 with an argument, and 17 with an erotic dream. These numbers influence their betting choices. Reviewing previous months’ results helps estimate the current day’s number, enhancing the accuracy of predictions.
