Koni juj is a popular ethic game of the indigenous Assamese people. It is celebrated during Rongali Bihu.
Time Of Game
It is played during the Rongali Bihu in mid-April. It is played with several other ethnic games like cock fight and bullfight, ‘hati juj’ (elephant fight), ‘kori khel, and archery besides several other interesting games.
Terminology
The Assamese term ‘koni’ means egg while the other term ‘juj’ refers to fight. Therefore, ‘koni juj’ connotes egg fight.
This popular game signifies the basically agrarian spirit of the Assamese community and is linked with the fertility of agricultural land.
The Assamese people dwell in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam.
Occasion
This iconic ethnic game is played on two occasions: on the day of ‘Goru Bihu’ (the agrarian festival of Bihu when the cattle are bathed in natural water sources); and on the day of Bhogali Bihu – celebrated after the lighting of the ‘meji’.
Rongali Bihu is celebrated during both of the three Bihus: one falling in mid-April (before sowing); and the other celebrated in mid-January (after harvesting).
Literature evidence: Several authors have written about this ethnic game. Assamese author Hem Borgohain penned descriptively about this game in his book “Bihu Akou Aahil”. Royals were very fond of this game just as the general citizens were.
The writer — Nilutpal Gogoi is an entrepreneur, senior journalist, writer, translator (from Assamese to English & vice versa), avid traveller, British English Accent & grammar trainer, educationist, and martial arts (Taekwondo) practitioner.