More than three centuries old, the indigenous game of greased bamboo-climbing is popular across Nagaland. A tall, rigid bamboo is planted firmly into the ground and greased to make climbing it difficult. Teams race to grapple their way to the top, using no external support. There are generally five to six teams, each with three to four members.
Originating during the reign of Naga chieftains, this game is still played in villages and semi-urban areas. It is also an important event at the State level indigenous games competition held under the aegis of the Youth Resources and Sports Department of Nagaland. The other events at the indigenous games include tug-of-war for men and women, stilt bamboo race and cockfight
A prize is tied at the top. It can be cash in an envelope or a large portion of some meat. Every tribe has its own unique way of putting up prizes.
Originating during the reign of Naga chieftains, this game is still played in villages and semi-urban areas. In fact, its popularity has grown with the proliferation of the bamboo industry in the state. Bamboo climbing is symbolic of how one can overcome all hardships through sheer physical dexterity and gather Nature’s bounty.
Bamboo pole climbing competition is also a part of the famous Hornbill Festival of Nagaland. The competitors are made to climb 15-feet-tall bamboo poles in a duration of 30 minutes. Generally, the poles are greased with pork fat to make it more difficult and challenging for the contestants to climb. The contestants are given the discretion to splash sand on the poles for enabling a firmer grip to climb. The climbers take several attempts to go to the top, slipping in between and providing much entertainment to the crowds in the process.
