Kang Shanaba
traditional Meitei sport of Manipur, India
Kang Shanaba or Kang Sanaba or Kang Sannaba, literally "playing the kang" or "the game of kang", is an indigenous Meitei game. It is a type of indoor activity that utilizes a rounded or oval object known as a "kang", which is the seed of a creeper, and can be tossed onto the ground. The game is typically enjoyed on the smooth earthen surfaces found in traditional homes and temple courtyards. Regarded as sacred, it is thought that the deities participated in this game, especially during the Meitei lunar new year, known as Cheiraoba (the first day of the Sajibu month), and continuing through the Rath Yatra festival (Kang Chingba).
Origin
Mythology
The Meitei people believe that Kang was originally played by seven Lainingthous (deities) and seven goddesses known as Leimarens (female deities) to commemorate the creation of the earth and the splendor of the rising Sun and Moon. The term "Kang" is derived from the Manipuri word "Kangba", which means to begin.The game represented the commencement of a new life following the formation of the earth. The Lainingthous and Leimarens competed in seven rounds, with the goddesses emerging victorious in each round.
They utilized a spherical object called Kangkhil, which is a seed from a large climbing plant, during the game. This provided the goddesses with a significant advantage. Feeling disheartened, the gods requested assistance, prompting Pakhangba to create an oval-shaped Kang for the Leimarens.
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