The origins of this game are obscure. Many are of the opinion that it is solely for entertainment, but others are of the view that it was played, during the time of rest after harvest so as to keep the men fit and ready for any unforeseen battle in the olden days.
O Phie is the plant whose stem is used for playing the game Phieda. It is usually harvested in the month of September or October, but it id prohibited from being taken inside the Village until the observance of a rite called “Tothü” passes which lasts for five days.
After being harvested, O Phie is kept in sheaves in a safe place where it is made to gradually dry. Once gried the stems even though crooked can be straightened with the help of the heat of the ashes from fire. The straighter the stem the better the chances of covering longer distances and eventually winning the game.
Phieda is played by hitting the O Phie on a clearing “Tothü” so that it slides and flies to the maximum possible distance or the tip is placed on an outcrop or the low of a paddy field and is pushed so that it slices through space. The player whose stem flies farthest is the winner.
The game Phieda can be played between two individuals or in numerous groups amid much raucous grunts accompanied by the loud clacking sounds made by the players with the O phies in their hands. There is a saying that the strength of the Youth is tried and tested When the game is played as Khel vs Khel or Kila vs Kila or Peli vs Peli.
This exhilarating game can commence and be played only from the third day of the Sikrenyi fest and is prohibited after the performance of the rite called Kehoza Rase Zhonyü.
Source: “SWEDA” SASA 2012
by: Jakhama Youth Society
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