Explore the rich history of Shillong Teer, a traditional archery lottery of Meghalaya,
Basic Information about Shillong Teer
Shillong Teer is a unique and popular lottery game located in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Rooted in traditional archery, this game stands out from conventional lotteries due to its blend of skill and chance. Organized by the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association, Shillong Teer involves participants placing bets based on the outcomes of archery rounds.
1. Origin and History
Shillong Teer, which originated in Meghalaya, India—specifically in the Khasi Hills region—has gradually evolved into a unique and traditional archery-based lottery game.
2. Cultural Significance:
Archery has been a part of the Khasi culture for centuries. The game has roots in the traditional pastime of archery, which was a popular recreational activity among the Khasi tribe.
3. Establishment as a Lottery:
They formalized the game into a lottery system in the 1980s. The Meghalaya government legalized the game under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax (Amendment) Act, 1982, recognizing its cultural importance and potential for revenue.
4. Game Mechanics:
The game involves archers shooting arrows at a target. The number of arrows hitting the target determines the winning numbers.
Generally, the game is played in two rounds daily; however, it is not held on Sundays and public holidays. Specifically, the first round takes place at 3:45 PM, while the second round follows at 4:45 PM.
5. Betting Process:
Players first place their bets on numbers between 00 and 99. Afterwards, the winning numbers are determined by the last two digits of the total arrows that strike the target in each round. For example, if 874 arrows hit the target, then the winning number would be 74.
6. Popularity:
Across Meghalaya and even in other parts of India, Shillong Teer has gained remarkable popularity; In fact, people view it not merely as a game of chance but also as a cherished cultural tradition, and therefore, it continues to hold a special and enduring place within their community.
7. Regulation and Governance:
Moreover, the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association regulates the game, not only overseeing its conduct but also ensuring fairness and managing the archery clubs involved.
8, Economic Impact:
Moreover, Shillong Teer generates significant revenue for the state government through taxes, and in addition, it provides livelihood opportunities for many locals, including archers, ticket sellers, and betting agents
9. Technological Advancements:
In recent years, technology has significantly influenced the game; moreover, with the rise of online platforms and mobile apps, people can now place bets and check results conveniently from anywhere.
10. Social and Legal Aspects:
“While the game is legal in Meghalaya, however, it is important for participants to understand the risks associated with gambling. Moreover, the government and local authorities continue to monitor and regulate its operations to ensure fairness and prevent illegal activities.”
to monitor and regulate the game to prevent illegal activities and ensure responsible betting.
Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association (KHASA)
The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association (KHASA) is an organization that, in addition, is responsible for regulating and managing the Shillong Teer game. Moreover, KHASA primarily ensures that the game is conducted fairly and follows the established rules.
Key Responsibilities of KHASA:
1. KHASA formulates the rules and regulations of the game to ensure fair and equitable play.”
2. Monitoring and Supervision: They regularly monitor the game to ensure it is conducted correctly and in compliance with the established guidelines.
3. Administration of Archery Clubs: KHASA oversees the administration of various archery clubs participating in Shillong Teer and manages their activities.
4. Cultural Heritage Preservation: As the game is a part of Khasi culture, KHASA plays a role in preserving its cultural significance.
5. Transparency and Integrity: To ensure good governance, KHASA operates with transparency and integrity, providing fair opportunities to all participants.
Through KHASA, the tradition and culture of Shillong Teer are preserved. Furthermore, each element of the game is meticulously overseen, not only preserving its treasured legacy but also ensuring seamless and well-coordinated execution.
Conclusion
While the game is legal in Meghalaya, it is important for participants to understand the risks associated with gambling; consequently, the government and local authorities regularly monitor and regulate the activity to ensure responsible participation.
to monitor and regulate the game to prevent illegal activities and ensure responsible betting.
in addition, Shillong Teer is a traditional and engaging game that is deeply intertwined with the culture and heritage of Meghalaya, and because of this connection, with its straightforward rules and exciting gameplay, it not only attracts thousands of participants but also, as a result, continues to play a vital role in local life and festive celebrations.