Khuru and its Myth: Beyond occasional sport

One clear distinction that draws apart traditional and modern sports is a beliefs attached with it. The myths supported by timeless anecdotes have made it all align in order since time immemorial. Traditional Bhutanese sports such as Khuru has not only been an occasional game, but also a culture that gathers peace and harmony in the place. Veteran country folks may cry over the dilution of performing norms and change in the materials involved to make khuru. However, some of the native anthropologists and the commoners will still defend on its continuum intact.

Do not ask me why and how, but the myth has had it all. It is believed that the game is against the feminine luck. The player has to avoid any amatory activities before the game which otherwise would bring ill-luck to a player and the team. Believed to be a manly sport it would cause social unrest, drought, famine and turmoil in the region if it is played by the women alike. This has heated the national podium and the buttons of social media in recent years due to such events of women playing Khuru. Feminine and social activists have adamantly defended on woman’s right over the Khuru debate with some of the old generations and young conservatives. This is a social issue worth a national debate unlike some baseless accusations made on social media by fools behind masked identity.

A friendly match between SD Final year vs SD 2nd year

One myth that confuses me more is of colour of the dress code as a khuru player which I have got no clear discourse from anyone. It is in general perception that the bright colour of your outfit would enhance your merits and embolden courage and luck in the public events. It is otherwise in this game where the players are encouraged to wear black gho embodying Dep Nakpo (I don’t know what link does black dress and Dep Nakpo shares).

Among others is the consultation of local astrologer to choose the lead player and the target directions in accordance to age old tradition of astrology texts and signs. People still narrate anecdotes of ill-lucks and misfortunes of not going by the advices of astrologer in the match. The young generations still pay due respect to this belief although no strict practices are followed. There are also other beliefs like avoiding a deliberate cross over the khuru by your opponents bringing ill-lucks which in turn would cause match lose. Gu-Kag or Gu-Dhok is a belief of very difficult points in the match where if a team fetches nine points, it is very difficult to get to the next points. As a player I too felt the effect of Gu-kag in khuru matches where I found my team struggling to cross the ill-point. Even if a team gets to the next point from nine points it is with no ease.

Sport and the myth in practice

Such sports and related beliefs are our national assets which are found nowhere in the world. The sports and games may go on with generations to come, yet the myths and beliefs attached to it are in fear of losing its track. Intangible culture is more at risks of degradation than tangible culture. Thus, the need to document and inheritance to next generation is imperatively important.