KOZHIKODE: The villages here have come alive with the rustic game of archery during Onam. Large crowds gather at archery spots where team competitions are held rather than individual ones. “This time the excitement is matchless due to the prize money and cheering crowds,” says K.V. Sumod, Anjaampeedika, near Perambra. Two clubs have started archery tournaments at Perambra and the prize money is Rs 10,000 each.
For the contest, a small portion of the ground has to be raised to a certain level. All members of both the teams will take position on the same side. A cylindrical-sized part of plantain tree will be the target. Those who strike the arrow on the plantain tree have to run towards the target and hold it. Then, all the arrows lying on the ground could be collected by the team. The team which collects the most number of arrows will be the winner.
The bows and arrows are made out of coconut leaf. “It's a complete game with the entire participation of the village. People, irrespective of age and caste or creed would come to compete,” beams P. Kunjiraman Nambiyar, a veteran of the sport. Among the team members, a conspicuous presence is expats, who are in their native place enjoying vacation. The sport is played mostly in the villages of Perambra, Koyilandy, Kayanna, Aavala etc.
