Mukna
Folk wrestling from Manipur, played during Lai Haraoba.
Mukna is a form of folk wrestling from the north-east Indian state of Manipur, popular in Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur. It is an intrinsic part of the ceremonial functions of the Lai Haraoba festival, where it is generally played on the last day.
Quick Facts
- State
- Manipur
- Popular in
- Imphal
- Thoubal
- Bishnupur
- Festival
- Lai Haraoba
- Attire
- Traditional attire identifying pana or yek
Facts from the source article.
History
Mukna's mythological origin according to Meiteis is traced to Puya manuscripts such as Leithal, Leikharol, and Pudin. It is thought to have originated from the time of creation, when Sanamahi tried to destroy creation by turning into a winged horse called samadon, and Pakhangba set a magical iron trap, catching him with a technique called hao mukna lengfai chan mongba tajin kharou yetna. Mukna is derived from that struggle, meaning to defeat another or be more than another person. Khamba and Nongban were two legendary figures in Mukna.
Sport
In Mukna, wrestlers begin by gripping each other's belts, known as ningri. The goal is to force the opponent's back to the ground, making the winner a yatra. The sport demands high physical fitness and skill to execute its many techniques, called lou. Grabbing the neck, hair, ear, or legs is forbidden, as are any strikes. A wrestler loses if any body part besides the feet touches the ground. Competitors are matched by weight class. Their traditional gear protects vital points and also indicates which pana or yek they belong to.
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