‘Gamha Diyan’, A Fading Local Sport In Odisha’s Gajapati

Berhampur: Among many local sports that have been fading into oblivion is the Gamha-Diyan (Gamha jump) which was a popular game in Paralakemundi not long back.

‘Gamha-Diyan’ is normally played by youngsters on the occasion of Gamha Purnima when the birthday of Lord Baladeva is celebrated in Paralakhemundi, the district headquarters of Gajapati district. The day is also celebrated as Rakshi Purnima all over the country.

Before the auspicious day, the Gamha (platform) is prepared with bricks, mud and grass. The middle of the platform is filled with stones to make it strong enough. It is made in the shape of a spur with the top looking like a tower.

In a short distance from the top of the Gamha, two poles are erected in opposite sides and are tied with a bamboo stick at the top. Various fruits like oranges, bananas, coconuts are hung from the stick.

As per the rules of the game, the youngsters in the age group of 20 to 25 participate in it. They come one by one running from a distance and on reaching the top of the Gamha, they  jump to catch the fruits. One who touches a fruit gets an attractive prize.

There were more than 60 Gamha-Diyan spots in and around Paralakhemundi during earlier days. But the number has nosedived to only one this year.

Sanjay Gandhi Colony near Gundicha temple organised the Gamha-Diyan on Sunday. The game that started at 4 pm continued till night. “We will award the champion of the Gamha-Diyan with silver worth Rs 1700,” said one of the organisers.

On this day, women draw illustrations of cow, calf, ox, farmer, sickle, plough, scythe, spade, grain storehouse and others on the walls with rice batter or white lime stone. As part of celebration, the people offer cooked food, which normally consists of Odia delicacies, as ‘Prasad’ to local deity and partakes it.