Overview
Shillong Teeris a distinctive lottery game originating from Meghalaya, India, which uniquely combines archery with dream-based predictions. In this fascinating game, archers shoot arrows at targets while participants place bets on numbers they believe will be fortunate.
Cultural Significance and Tradition
Rooted in the traditions of the Khasi tribe in Shillong, Meghalaya, Shillong Teer melds the art of archery with the interpretation of dreams. The game is held every evening, excluding Sundays and holidays. Spectators predict the outcome of the archery by guessing the lucky numbers that will be drawn.
Popularity and Management
The Khasi Hills Archery Sports Association oversees Shillong Teer, featuring around 12 archery clubs competing at the Polo Ground in Shillong. This game enjoys immense popularity among the locals, who bet on numbers to win cash prizes. Understanding the prevalent number patterns can enhance one's chances of winning. Although only men participate in the archery, women are welcome to watch. The game is considered safe, with no reported injuries to date.
Legal and Economic Context
Shillong Teer operates legally under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act of 1982. The game not only provides entertainment but also serves as a source of income, particularly beneficial during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
How the Game Operates
Shillong Teer can be played both offline and online. Archers shoot arrows at a target, and participants bet on the numbers they believe will be lucky. The targets range in height from 61 cm to 102 cm and are placed 15.21 m to 30.48 m away. The number of arrows hitting the target determines the winners.
Game Rounds and Results
Shillong Teer comprises two rounds. In the first round, 50 archers each shoot 30 arrows. In the second round, 30 archers each shoot 20 arrows. Shillong Teer Result is announced at 3:45 pm and 4:45 pm IST, based on the number of arrows hitting the target.
Betting and Rewards
Participants bet on numbers between 0 and 99. A bet of 1 rupee can yield Rs. 80 in the first round and Rs. 60 in the second. Correctly predicting numbers in both rounds can result in a prize of Rs. 4000.
Significance of Common Numbers
In Shillong Teer, common numbers are often associated with dreams. For example, the number 6 might signify a male, 5 a female, 37 an argument, and 17 a romantic dream. Locals use these dream associations to place their bets and analyze past results to refine their predictions.