From delicious dishes to vibrant clothing and catchy music, South Asian culture has deeply enriched everyday life.
But beyond the food and festivals lies a nostalgic thread that connects generations, the traditional childhood games once played by our grandparents and parents. Whether in quiet alleyways or open fields, these simple, joyful games sparked laughter, built friendships, and shaped countless childhoods. Today, they offer a warm reminder of a time when fun didn’t need screens, just imagination and community.
Here’s a look at some of these beloved games and the meaning behind them:
1) Kabbadi: A traditional South Asian sport that originated in ancient India. Played between two teams of seven, the game involves taking turns sending a "raider" into the opposing team’s half to tag players and return safely, all in a single breath while chanting "kabaddi." The playing area is divided into key zones. Points are scored by tagging and returning; defenders aim to stop the raider. If all opponents are tagged out, a bonus (lona) is awarded. The team with the most points wins.
2) Kho-Kho: A fast-paced traditional Indian game that builds teamwork and strategy. To play, you’ll need a marked rectangular area, a centre line, and two poles or cones at each end. Players split into two equal teams: chasers and defenders. Chasers sit on the centre line, facing alternate directions, while defenders run in groups of three across the playing area. One chaser starts by chasing defenders on their side of the field. If a defender switches sides, the chaser returns to the line, taps a teammate facing the new direction, and shouts “Kho!”, passing on the chase. Tagged defenders are out, and the round ends when all are caught. Teams then switch roles. The team that tags all defenders in the shortest time wins.
3) Kanche (Marbles): Known by various names like Kancha or Golli Gundu, this game uses small marbles and a shooter marble. Players flick their shooter to knock marbles out of a circle. Each successful hit scores a point. The game ends when all marbles are out, and the highest scorer wins.
4) Dog and the Bone: Also known as ‘Cheel Jhapatta,’ this is a quick-thinking team game. Two players with the same number race to grab a central object (the “bone”) and return to their side without being tagged. Referees can call multiple numbers or “Dog and Bone” for a wild, full-team dash.
5) River or mountain: The game also known as ‘Nadee-Parvat’, is a popular South Asian game where the playing area is divided into two zones: ‘river’ and ‘mountain’. One player is chosen as ‘it’ and stands in the middle, while the rest line up on one side. ‘It’ shouts either “river” or “mountain,” and players must run to the correct side. Anyone caught outside the called zone can be tagged. Tagged players are out, and the last one remaining wins.
6) Gilli danda: Often described as a mix of cricket and baseball, Gilli Danda uses a small stick (gilli) and a longer stick (danda). The player uses the danda to flick the gilli into the air and then strike it as far as possible. The goal is to hit the gilli and run between points to score while others retrieve it. It’s a game of balance, timing, and quick sprints, often played in open fields by barefoot kids full of determination and joy.
