Arkan Tartmay (Tug of War). The game involves 2 people, but during holidays, at least 8-10 pairs take turns to participate on the field.
For the game, a scarf 7-8 meters long is used, with its ends tied together. Brightly colored and embroidered with national patterns, it serves as a wonderful decorative element of the folk festival. Instead of a scarf, a rope can also be used. In this case, a small cushion, a folded handkerchief, etc., is placed around the neck.
Participants put the scarf around their necks, pass it under their arms, and stand back to back. At the signal from the referee, each begins to pull the scarf towards themselves. The one who cannot withstand the opponent and is pulled over to their side loses. If several pairs are participating in the game, competitions are held among the winners.
In ancient times, there was another version of this game called "buka tartysh" (tug of bulls), which was used by the wealthy nobility for their entertainment. Participants would stand back to back, put a scarf around their necks, and pass it between their legs. Then, getting down on all fours, they would begin to pull each other. The loser would inevitably fall on their back and amusingly roll over, which would cause laughter among the spectators.
