Morung Express News The state’s Department Of Youth Resources & Sports today conducted a traditional fire making competition at Kisama and it evoked thunderous applause from the visitors. Traditional fire making is one of the indigenous games of all the tribes of Nagaland played and practiced by menfolk. Before invention of matches and chemical substances, forefathers learnt to make fire through this game. In this game, a participant use fine dried wood, finely stripped bamboo (string), dried twigs, leaves and materials which can be easily burned. Dried wood and dried twigs are placed under the foot and hold the ends of bamboo string (strip) in each hand, then pulls the thin bamboo strip back forth until the friction ignites the wood. This is how forefathers learn to make fire. During forefather’s time, this is practiced and done as fire is a necessity. But gradually this has become a very popular game among the Nagas. The first competitor to make fire and light the pine is declared as the winner. Tsisemong of Sangtam tribe was declared the winner who made fire in 1:15.36 Minutes, Irangchang of Zeliang in 1:30.30 minutes was placed in the second position while Ritsi of Yimchunger in 1:36.20 was placed in the third position. The winner walked away with a cash prize of Rs. 10,000/-, Rs. 7000/- and Rs. 5000/- respectively. Rato Pusa, Joint Director, Youth Resources & Sports gave away prize to the winners.
