Game on!

Revive the magic of Traditional Games…

- Angeline Sajini. R

With the advent of the technological era, we have multiple choices to de-stress ranging from digital content on mobile phones, tablets, VR, PlayStation, Xbox and the list goes on. These have an addictive quality which causes a lack of concentration, slow brain activity, smaller attention spans and vision perception issues in kids and adults alike. Also, the sedentary nature of these activities leads to poor health and obesity.

Many parents have now learned the importance of physical activity and the detrimental effect of digital presence in their children’s lives. To divert and engage children, they have turned to traditional games which have been part of our culture for over a millennium like Pallankuzhi, Pachisi, Puli Mekha, Paramapada Sopanam etc. There are also many simple games like Gilli Danda, Thattangal Elamkal, Goli and many more. Experts say that games like Pallanguzhi aid in fast addition, strategy and multiplication while Tattanghal and other board games involve fine motor skills, counting and quick hand-eye coordination. Let’s now explore a few fan favourites.

Pallankuzhi

A game of strategy, memory, counting and quick wits. There are two players and they each take turns filling 7 pits on each side. The players use cowrie shells or seeds to count and fill the pits. The aim is to have a maximum number of counters at the end of the game and win the opponent’s counters also.

Paramapada Sopanam

the much beloved Western board game – Snakes & Ladders with a few regional twists. The name of the game translates to ‘Steps to the Highest Place’. The game is symbolic of man’s search for higher meaning and his quest to reach heaven. The ladders in the game represent virtues that take the player closer to paradise, while the snakes denote vices that take him farther away from it. Interestingly when the player reaches the 100th square he has to play through 32 more squares to win which denotes that leading a spiritual life has hardships too.

Pachisi

Originating from ancient India, Pachisi is mentioned in the epic mythological tale Mahabharat and plays a key role in the narrative. Similar to the Western game Ludo, Pachisi is a game of cunning, strategic rules, probability and tactics. Four players in opposing teams of two, attempt to move pieces around a crucifix-shaped board. Moves are determined by throws of cowrie shells or dice/dhayam. Each player has four pieces, which begin at the centre, move down the middle track nearest to the player, and journey counterclockwise around the outer track of the board. The partnership whose pieces first complete the course by returning to the centre is the winner.

Most of these can be DIYed with some chalk as design and pebbles as counters. The beauty of these games lies in their simplicity and their universal appeal among all age groups. These games are now widely available online in stores like

Ancient Living(https://ancientliving.in) and Roll the Dice Board Games(https://rollthedice.in/discount/DISCOVERCHENNAI-AUG23)

For a more inclusive and fun experience visit Kreeda Games (kreedagames.com). They organise traditional game-based events in corporate offices, schools, old age homes, fairs and exhibitions. Their activities are an immersive experience for the entire family.