Examples of 'fighting coconuts' used in Pol-keliya

Pol-Keliya

Yet another development of the Pattini cult is the Pol-Keliya, the competitive sport of smashing coconuts.

The two opposing groups -- the Udupila and the Yatapila, stand on either side of a rectangular open field, each with a stock of the special variety of pora-pol, "fighting" coconuts. One of the parties pitches a nut over to the other side, where one of the latter, stands vigilant with a coconut held in his hands. A well aimed throw finds its mark in the hands of the man on the opposite bank, who receives it with all the force of the impact, over the coconut he holds.

Whether the impact results in smashing it or not, depends on the resistance of either of the nuts. One or the other often cracks or breaks. The smashed nuts are discarded. Whichever side has the largest stock of nuts intact at the close of the contest, is the winner.