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9 Indian traditional games for children
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What's common between the termsPagade,Nondi,Pallanguzhi,LippaandSatoliya? Here's a clue - they are an integral part of Indian culture and have been around for centuries.
Confused? They aretraditional games that have been played since time immemorial in India. However, with the advent of video games and gadgets, people, especially the younger generations, have forgotten these games. We take a closer look at some of them to revive fond memories and give our children a glimpse of the past.
Gilli Danda orLippa, considered to be the origin of cricket, is a game played with two pegs - the longer one is calleddandaand the shorter,gilli. A player uses thedandato hit thegilli,and when thegillirises in the air, the player must strike it with thedanda.
Nondiwas a game played by girls in the rural villages of Tamil Nadu. This game of hopping requires a player to capture the maximum number of squares in a grid, without his feet touching the border lines.
Indian Traditional Games states thatkabaddi, an ancient game of India, is still very popular. A team sport,kabaddirequires strength and agility, and no equipment. Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan have been vocal in their support of the game and often harp about its health benefits.
Revive our tradition through these games and make this weekend fun by learning how to play them. Flip through the pages of this ClipBook for more details.
1. Five Stones
Five stones is known as Kallangal or Anchangal in the villages of Tamil Nadu. The game is played by 2 or more players, using 5 small stones. It comprises a set of eight steps. The player who completes all the sets first is the winner.
This game helps sharpen your eyesight and memory. It also builds concentration.More at:www.traditionalgames.in
2. Lakhoti
Lakhoti is a popular traditional game played across the country. It is also known as Kancha, Golli, Goti and Marbles (English). Marbles, which originated in the Harappan Civilization, are used to play the game.
The game helps improve concentration. Click on the link below to learn more about the game.More at:indiantraditionalgames.wordpress.com
3. Nondi (Hopscotch)
Nondi is a hopping game popular in the rural villages of Tamil Nadu. A grid is drawn on the ground and the player hops across to complete his lap without stepping on the border.
The game improves muscle tone and balance.More at:www.traditionalgames.in
4. Pachisi
Pachisi is a very ancient Indian game for four people playing in two pairs. The game is also known as "Twenty Five". This is the original game from which Ludo and Parcheesi were derived, although you will see that the rules are different.
More at:www.activityvillage.co.uk
5. Gilli Danda
Gilli Danda is the old-fashioned version of modern day cricket. Two unevenly sized pegs are all it takes to play this fun game.
The game improves concentration and aim.
Want to know how it's played? Click the link below.More at:indiantraditionalgames.wordpress.com
6. Lattu
Lattu is a traditional game that used to be extremely popular among children in India. Lattu, or the spinning top, has been around for thousands of years. A string is wound around the top, which is then flung on the ground to spin.
The game improves dexterity. To know more about this interesting game, click the link below.More at:indiantraditionalgames.wordpress.com
7. Satoliya
Satoliya, otherwise known as seven stones, is a team game played with a ball and seven stones. The stones are piled one on top of the other. The attacking team must hit the pile in three attempts, and aim to rearrange the pile of stones before they are caught and declared 'out'.
This game improves agility and focus.More at:indiantraditionalgames.wordpress.com
8. Kabaddi
Kabbadi is a popular sport in South Asia. A team game, it is still played in many parts of the country. In Hindi, 'kabaddi' means 'holding your breath', which is the underlying principle of this game. The game is played with 2 teams comprising 12 players each.
To know more about how it's played, click the link below.More at:indiantraditionalgames.wordpress.com
9. Pallanguzhi
Pallanguzhi is a board game that used to be patronised by women in Tamil Nadu in the days gone by.
Tamarind seeds or shells are used to play this game, which has fascinated researchers for its anthropological and social aspects.
The game improves mathematical and motor skills.More at:www.traditionalgames.in
