Origin and Historical Significance: Shillong Teer originated during the British colonial era in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. Archery was traditionally a means of self-defense and a royal sport among the indigenous Khasi tribes. The game transformed into a unique lottery system in the early 20th century. In 1982, the Meghalaya government legally recognized Teer under the Meghalaya Amusement and Betting Tax Act, making it one of the few legally sanctioned betting games in India. The game is held Monday to Friday at the famous Polo Bazar and Rilbong grounds, attracting thousands of spectators daily.
- 50 expert archers participate in each round, each shooting 30 arrows.
- Total arrows shot range between 1200 to 1500 per round.
- Winning number = LAST TWO DIGITS of total arrows that hit the target.
- First Round (FR): 4:00 PM | Second Round (SR): 5:00 PM (IST).
- Results are announced publicly at the counter immediately after counting.
- Each arrow is counted by hand to ensure transparency and fairness.
- The game runs Monday to Friday; Saturday and Sunday are weekly off days.
Cultural Impact and Records: Teer is not just a game but a socio-cultural event in Meghalaya. The game employs hundreds of archers, counter staff, and supports the local economy. Traditional Khasi chants and rituals are performed before each match. The highest recorded arrow hits in a single round was 1478 in 2019, while the lowest was 892 due to heavy rainfall.
Interesting Facts: The word "Teer" means arrow in the Khasi language. The game has been featured in several documentaries about Northeast Indian culture. Many local families have been involved in Teer for generations, passing down their archery skills and prediction techniques. The oldest Teer counter in Shillong has been operating for over 60 years. Each day, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 people visit the Shillong Teer counter to place their bets.