Teer is a unique gameplay in different parts of Meghalaya. In different places of Meghalaya, Teer is called different names related to the city for Shillong city it is known as the Shillong Teer, in other places like Jowai-Ladrymbai Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer, and some more. This is a lottery game involving number betting and the result is out based on the archery shoot at the target.
History of Teer game
Archery is indeed an ancient traditional sport among the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. Its roots go back centuries, and there are several myths surrounding its origin. According to one legend, archery was a gift from the gods to the Khasis. This deepens the cultural significance of the sport, making it hold a special place in their traditions.
However, the specific game of Shillong Teer is a relatively recent development. While archery has a long history in Meghalaya, Shillong Teer, which involves gambling on archery outcomes, emerged in the 20th century. The exact date of its inception remains unclear.
The Teer game did face a period of being banned by the state government sometime in the 1970s. Despite the ban, it continued to be played illegally in various parts of Meghalaya. Recognizing this reality, the government legalized Shillong Teer in 1982. It is now strictly regulated under the Meghalaya Amusements and Betting Tax (Amendment) Act 1982.
What are Teer games?
Teer is a gambling game involving players who bet on the outcome of an archery contest. The archers shoot at a target, and the result of the game is determined by the number of arrows that hit it. There are two rounds, each with its own two-digit winning number.
The gameplay is quite simple. Fifty archers each shoot 30 arrows at a target. Players must predict the last two digits of the total number of arrows that hit the target. For example, if 950 arrows hit the target, the 1 winning number is 50. The player who correctly predicts this number wins all the money collected from lottery ticket sales that day. This game takes place daily.
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How to play Teer games?
If you’re wondering how to play Teer or want to try your luck at this Meghalaya game, here are the steps.
- First, you need to determine your possible winning numbers from 1 to 100 for both rounds. Then, search for a Teer counter. If you take a walk through Police Bazar in Shillong or any other area of Meghalaya’s capital, you’ll come across dozens of small kiosks selling lottery tickets. You can identify them by the scrawny blackboards with numbers hanging outside each one and the fact that they sell tickets for the archery competition held every afternoon.
- Next, place your bet on your chosen number at the counter and wait for the results in the evening. There’s also a morning Teer played between 10 AM and 12 PM. You can ask the Teer counter for more details about game categories and other information.
- If your chosen number matches the winning number, you’ll win a cash prize.
These are the simple steps to play the Teer game in Meghalaya. Please remember that this is a gambling game, and there’s no guarantee of winning. You might lose your money.
Teer Dream Number
Many local players in Meghalaya who play the Teer game believe that winning numbers can appear in dreams. These locals believe that certain dreams contain numbers that can predict the winning number of the Teer.
For instance, if you see a cow in your dream, the cow is calculated as the number 4, so 4 might be one of the winning numbers for the next day’s game. However, there is no scientific proof that this is true. These are the beliefs of the locals in Meghalaya, and many try to win the Teer game by converting their dreams into numbers.
Teer game impact on the economy
The Teer game plays a significant role in the economy, creating employment for more than 10,000 individuals in the area. The place where the Teer event is held attracts many people who gather to witness the archer’s shoot at the target, boosting revenue for local shop owners.
Teer also provides opportunities for aspiring archers to participate in the shooting. Additionally, Teer boosts tourism as tourists come to witness this unique traditional Meghalayan game. It also generates income for the government which boosts the state revenue.
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Drawback or dark side of Teer game
However, despite the positive outcomes and job creation generated by the Teer game, there are drawbacks. As it is a gambling game, there is no guarantee of winning. Many locals who play the game have shared stories of losing their life savings while betting on Teer.
Another issue is that while the Teer industry employs several people, many of them earn very little, with their income depending on daily sales. In contrast, the organizers and counter owners tend to make significantly more profit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Teer is a unique traditional and cultural game that has been played in Meghalaya for centuries. However, as a gambling game, it has faced challenges. The Meghalaya government initially banned it but later legalized it under the Meghalaya Amusements and Betting Tax (Amendment) Act of 1982.
While authorities have struggled to regulate the game and prevent harmful impacts, the reality is that some individuals continue to face difficulties due to Teer-related issues, often hidden from public view.
