Introduction:
Ambeyyal is a traditional game held during Onam in Kerala. In this game two groups of young men shoot blunted arrows to a semicircular stop-butt. The bows for this game are made out of 18-inch long bamboo. The midrib of the coconut palm leaves, ripped off the leafy part with just a little portion on one end, serves as the arrow.
The players stand 23 m to 27 m away from the concave side of a semicircular stop-butt, which is about two feet in the highest parts. The target consisting of a piece of the plantain tree about 3 inches in diameter is kept at the center of the stop-butt. It is pointed at the top in which is stuck a small stick convenient for lifting the cheppu or the mark which is the immediate objective of the players.
The players shoot in a random manner at the mark and who hits carries all the arrows lying on the ground. The game is accompanied by much shouting gesticulation and laughter.
Archery or Ambeyyal as it is popularly called in Kerala, is one of the many games played on the occasion of Onam. The game tests the skill and patience of a player and is played by men.
Rules
Two teams are formed to play Ambeyyal and each player is given a bow. These teams shoot arrow on each other. Though the game is played with blunted arrows, players from both teams get wounded and a lot of blood sheds as the game proceeds. This happens because the arrows are strong and are discharged with force.
The bow is 18-inch long and is prepared from bamboo. Arrow is a piece of the mid rib of the coconut palm leaf, roughly broken off, leaving a little bit of the leaf at one end which appears as a feather.
A semi-circular two-feet long Stop-Butt is placed in the highest parts, center and the slopes of the ground where the game takes place. Players take their position 25-30 yards before the concave side of the butt. In the centre of the stop-butt, a target is placed on the ground. Target is a piece of part of the plantain tree and is about 3 inches in diameter. It is pointed at the top, on which is stuck a small stick convenient for lifting the 'cheppu' or the mark which is the aim of the players.
Shooting the Arrows
Players shoot indiscriminately at the mark or cheppu. One who manages to hit it carries all the arrows lying on the ground for his team. Players of each team make efforts to secure all the arrows and deprive the other team of its stock.
Tension and excitement is palpable on the ground as players keep shouting and gesticulating during the game. There are some funny moments too that provokes laughter amongst players and onlookers.