Wrestling Day by T. Keditsu – Delightful Tale of a Traditional Sport From Nagaland

Wrestling Day is a delightful Tale of a Traditional Sport From Nagaland, a story of sibling bonds, perseverance, and cultural heritage.

Synopsis

Aneingu is going to wrestle for the first time. Can Areiü make sure nothing goes wrong for him?

Review

Wrestling Day is a modern tale centered around a traditional Naga sport. The story follows Areiu, who is excited for her cousin, Aneingu, as he prepares to participate in his first wrestling match. However, when they meet him at Khuochiezide, the local wrestling ground, he is disheartened—he forgot to bring his mother’s shawl, a significant part of the ceremony. Determined to help, Areiu and her sister, Ashnuo, embark on a race against time to retrieve the shawl from home and bring it back before the match begins.

This was the first story I’ve read set in Nagaland, so I had no prior knowledge of its culture, sports, or language, Nagamese. While the book incorporates some Nagamese words and names, I struggled to find their meanings, even through online searches. My child also found them difficult to read and understand, so a glossary or translations at the end of the book would have been helpful.

That said, the illustrations beautifully complemented the story—vibrant and engaging, they helped bridge the language gap. The bond between the sisters and their cousin shines throughout, making it heartwarming to see the girls’ determination to help Aneingu, ensuring his first wrestling day is a memorable one.

Overall, Wrestling Day is a delightful Tale of a Traditional Sport From Nagaland, a story of sibling bonds, perseverance, and cultural heritage. Despite the language barrier, the heartwarming narrative and striking illustrations make it a valuable read, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions of Nagaland.

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A Bit of Context on Naga Wrestling and Shawls

Through some research, I discovered a few cultural aspects that enhance the reading experience:

• Naga Wrestling: Once an annual event, it has been held biennially since 1974 and is now the biggest sporting event in Nagaland. Wrestling has been a part of Naga culture for centuries, historically used to resolve conflicts or demonstrate strength, and continues to symbolize the history, identity, and unity of Naga communities.
• Naga Shawls: These are deeply significant in Naga culture, representing identity, ancestry, and social standing. Beyond being a piece of clothing, shawls are integral to ceremonies, festivals, and social events, often exchanged as symbols of friendship, hospitality, and respect.

Book Links

Amazon.in | Amazon.co.uk

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