Shillong Night Teer is a traditional lottery game played in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya in Northeast India. It is part of the larger “Night Teer” lottery system that has been popular in various parts of the region, particularly in Khasi and Jaintia Hills. The game involves betting on the last two digits of the number of arrows shot by archers, and it is unique for its cultural and traditional significance. Here’s how it works:
1. Archery and Arrows
- The game is based on the skill of archery. Archers shoot a specified number of arrows at a target. In Shillong Night Teer, archers shoot 50 arrows in the morning and 50 arrows in the evening.
- The total number of arrows that hit the target is counted.
2. Prediction and Betting
- Players place bets on two sets of numbers: the “first round” and the “second round”.
- The goal of the players is to predict the last two digits of the total number of arrows that hit the target.
- For example, if in the first round the archers hit 47 arrows, and in the second round, they hit 63 arrows, the winning numbers would be 47 for the first round and 63 for the second round. Players can bet on:
- The first round: The number of arrows that will hit the target in the morning.
- The second round: The number of arrows that will hit the target in the evening.
3. Betting Process
- Players can buy tickets from licensed agents who sell Night Teer tickets across Shillong.
- The tickets usually have a range of numbers, and players pick a number or set of numbers they believe will match the final two digits of the arrow count.
4. Results
- After the archers shoot their arrows, the results are announced. The number of arrows that hit the target in the first and second rounds is recorded, and the last two digits of those numbers become the winning numbers.
- For instance, if the archers hit 43 arrows in the first round and 72 arrows in the second, the winning numbers would be 43 and 72.
5. Winning and Payout
- Winners are those whose numbers match the final two digits of the arrows shot in both rounds.
- The payout rate can vary depending on the amount of money collected from tickets and the odds, but it is typically a fixed amount.
6. Types of Bets
- Direct Round: This is when the bet matches the exact number of arrows hit in the round.
- Pants or Compound Bet: Some places allow multiple numbers to be selected, and winnings are based on combinations.
7. Legal Status
- Night Teer is governed by the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act, and its proceeds are used for local community development and welfare. It’s a legal lottery in Shillong, provided it’s conducted under the rules set by the state government.
8. Cultural Aspect
- Shillong Night Teer is more than just a game of chance; it has deep cultural roots and is often seen as a part of the local traditions. Archery has historical significance for the indigenous Khasi people, and the game reflects that connection.
Summary
In short, Shillong Night Teer is a game where players predict the last two digits of the number of arrows shot by archers in two rounds of archery. It’s a mix of skill (in archery) and chance (in prediction), and it is an important part of local culture and entertainment in Meghalaya.