I

ndia has always been rich in culture and tradition, and games have been an important part of
Indian culture since forever. Be it Lord Shiv and his consort Parvati playing Pachisi, the
Pandavas loosing Draupadi over a game of dice or the Mughals enjoying an afternoon of chess
games and sports have always played an important role in the history and mythology of India.
Gradually the time changed and so did our sports.
In a time of Play Stations, video games and gadgets, we all have almost forgotten the traditional
games of India. Remember the times we couldnt wait to come back from school so that we
could go and play a couple of rounds of kith-kith (Hopscotch) with our friends?
So why not recall and replay all these traditional Indian games this summer? Here is the list of 10
such games and sports-

1. Satoliya
The game is also called Pithoo or Lagori in some parts of India. Any number of people can play
it. It needs seven small flat stones; every stone size should be less than the other stone. Keep the
stones on each other in decreasing size order. Hit the pile with a cloth ball from a fixed
difference. Read the complete rules of the game here. You can also buy this game online.

2. Gutte
This traditional game is played by both children and adults. This simple game requires 5 pieces
of small stones. You spin one stone in the air and pick other stones from the ground without
dropping the stone in the air. This game can be played by any number of people.

3. Kancha
Kancha was one of the most popular games among children in the neighbourhood. It is played
using marbles called Kancha. The players are to hit the selected target kancha using their own
marble ball. The winner takes all Kanchas of rest of the players.

4. Kho Kho
It is one of the most popular tag games in India. It consists of two teams. 1 team sits/kneels in the
middle of the court, in a row, with adjacent members facing opposite directions. The team that
takes the shortest time to tag/tap all the opponents in the field, wins.

5. Gilli Danda
The game requires two sticks. The bigger one is called danda and the smaller one is called
gilli. The player then uses the danda to hit the gilli at the raised end, which flips it into the air.
While it is in the air, the player strikes the gilli, hitting it as far as possible. Having struck the
gilli, the player is required to run and touch a pre-agreed point outside the circle before the gilli
is retrieved by an opponent.

6. Poshampa
Two people stand with their hands locked together above their heads and sing a song. The other
kids pass from under that bridge and the one who gets caught (when the hands come down like a
cage at the end of the song) is out.

7. Chaupar/ Pachisi
Each players objective is to move all four of their pieces completely around the board, counterclockwise, before their opponents do. The pieces start and finish on the Charkoni.

8.Kith Kith
ee an open surface and a chalk to draw? Lets play Kith Kith! A popular playground game in
which players toss a small object into numbered spaces of a pattern of rectangles outlined on the
ground and then hop or jump through the spaces to retrieve the object. This popular game is also
played in other countries and is loved by all.

9. DhopKhel
Dhopkel, a game popular in Assam is similar to Kabbadi. Dhop is the name given to a rubber ball
that two teams throw across a central line into each others courts. Each team sends a player into
the opponents court; the aim is to catch the ball his team throws and make his way back to his
team without allowing the opponents to touch him to earn points.

10. Pallanguli
This board game with 14 cups is set out with six seeds in each cup; the players distribute these
seeds into the other cups until there are no seeds left. The person who reaches two consecutive
cups without seeds has to bow out of the game.

The following are some of the indoor games that are still played in villages.
Thirudan police ( )
Raja rani ( )

Statue/Freeze/Attack

Oru kodam thanni ( )

X and O (Tic Tac Toe)

Poo Parikka Varugirom ( )

Pappu kanji ( )

Aakku paakku vethala paakku ( )

Kulai kulaiyaai mundirikkai ( )

Kokku para para ( )

Nadu puduchi vilayadu ( )

Vidukathai ()

Mookka pudi ( )

Book cricket ( )

Color color what color

Current pass

Guess cricket

Chain

Lock and Key

The following are some of the games played outdoor and are familiar among the villagers and people who
are above 20.
Hide & Seek ()
Kho Kho ( )

Nondi () [Pandi ()]

Kichi kichi thambalam ( )

Pacha Kudhura ( )

Kabadi ()

Oodi puduchi vilayaduradhu ( )

Tree Climbing Monkey ( )

Anila Naaya ( )

In South India, marriage rituals usually get completed in an hour or two in the morning. After the
marriage, the families of both the bride and groom get free time to sit and chat among the relatives till
they vacate the chatram (Marriage Hall), during this leisure time they conduct games between the Bride
and Groom and sometime among the relatives just to have fun. Here are some of the games played
traditionally in South India Marriages.
Pattukku Pattu ( )
Thenga uruturathu ( )

Poo Bandhu ( )

Koachitu Poorathu ( )

Appalam Udaithal ( )

Manjal Thanner ( )

Mothitram Thedurathu ( )

JAPAN TRADITIONAL GAMES

Origami
Origami is one of Japan's best-known pastimes. The idea is to fold a square piece of paper
into different shapes. The photo here shows a hollow cube, a samurai helmet, and a crane.

Ohajiki
This is generally considered a girls' game. Players take turns flicking small, coin-shaped
pieces called ohajiki with their fingers, to hit other pieces. In the old days, they used pebbles,
or pieces from another game, go. Today, the pieces are usually made of glass. When playing,
make a circle with your thumb and index finger (or middle finger), then flick one piece with
your thumb.
How to play
(1)All players lay down the same number of ohajiki pieces on a flat surface, and then do janken (rock, paper, scissors) to decide the order of play.
(2)The first person to take a turn gathers everyone's pieces, using one hand, and then scatters
them on the surface.
(3)The player then indicates two pieces, and draws an imaginary line between them to show
how he or she intends to hit one with the other.
(4)If the player hits the piece as indicated, he or she keeps it. Otherwise, it is the next
person's turn. At the end of the game, the person with the most pieces is the winner.
Ayatori
This is also generally considered a girls' game. Take a string about 120 cm long, and tie the ends
together to make a loop. The object is to make shapes with the string, using your fingers. Two
people can play, or you can do ayatori alone. When competing, one player holds the string in a
certain shape, and the other takes that string while making a different shape. The person who
makes a mistake and ruins the intended shape loses. The shapes can be enjoyed for their fanciful
beauty. Some people try ayatori to make something that will surprise friends. Here you can learn
how to make a broom. You can do it alone, and the shape is easy to make, even if it's your first
time.
How to make a broom
(1)Place the string on your hand as shown, and then take the string where it is marked by the star.
Pull all the way down.
(2)With your right hand working from inside the big loop, hook your right index finger in the
small loop on the left and your right little finger in the small loop on the right (loops indicated
with stars).
(3)The string and your hands should now be arranged like this. Pull the two small loops through
the big one.

(4)Put your left index finger, middle finger and ring finger into spaces A, B and C, respectively.
Flip all loops over the back of your left hand, and then release your right hand.
(5)Take the string where marked by the star. Flip it over your left fingers and pull it toward you.
(6)Now you have a broom!

Take-uma
Two bamboo poles have wooden footstands. Once you can walk well on these stilts, you can set
the footstands higher. Experts compete with each other like acrobats for example, carrying
one stilt on their shoulder and hopping on the other.
Kendama
A kendama is a wooden toy known all over the world. Records show that the game came to
Japan from China about 200 years ago. A number of skills are required. Flick the ball up so that
it lands in the smallest cup, then the largest, then the medium-sized one, in that order. Then toss
the ball so that its hole slides over the pointed tip. Next, see who can do this the fastest. To make
it even more challenging, hold the ball with the hole facing up, then pitch the handle into the air
and make the pointed end land in the hole. Adults also like the game, some so much that they
join kendama clubs.
Daruma-san ga koronda
One person is "it". Instead of counting to ten, "it" says,
"Daruma-san ga koronda."(In fact, there are 10 syllables
in the sentence, which means, "The daruma doll fell
over.") For the other players, the object of the game is to
get close to whoever is "it" without him seeing them move.
How to play
(1)The person who is "it" faces away from the other
players with his eyes shut. "It" says "Daruma-san ga
koronda" quickly, and then turns around as quickly as
possible, opening his eyes. While "it" is saying the
phrase, the other players move closer to him. Just
before "it" turns around, the players must freeze.
(2)If "it" sees a player moving, that player must hold
hands with "it."
(3)If a player successfully reaches "it" without getting
caught, he or she slaps "it" on the back, then everyone
except "it" runs away. However, if "it" is holding hands
with one or more captured players, the attacker tries to
break their hands apart with the side of his hand. Then
everyone except "it" runs away.
(4)When "it" shouts "Tomare!"("Stop!"), everybody must
freeze.
(5)If "it" tags one of them by taking no more than three

steps, the two switch places.

Hanaichimonme
This is an outdoor game for many people. Everyone sings
a short ditty while playing.
How to play
(1)Divide into two groups of equal number. Players in
each group hold hands in a line, facing their opponents.
One player in one group does jan-ken (rock, paper,
scissors) against a player in the other group. The
winning group walks toward their opponents, singing
"Katte ureshii hanaichimonme," which means they are
happy to have won the round. The other group steps
backward.
(2)The group that backed up now moves toward their opponents, singing, "Makete kuyashii
hanaichimonme," which means "We hate to lose." The winning group backs up this time.
(3)Players in each group discuss which player they want from the other group.
(4)The two players so chosen from opposing groups play rock, paper, scissors. The loser joins
the other group. The game and singing continue until only one person is left in one of the
groups, and that person loses rock, paper, scissors.
Menko
This is generally a boys' game. It is as old as beigoma.Pieces called menko have pictures on
one side. The pictures are of heroes popular among boys during the era when played
samurai, famous sports players, heroes from comics, and so on. Winners keep their
opponents' menko.
How to play
(1)To decide turns, players do rock, paper, scissors. All players, except the one whose turn it
is, lay their menko on the ground. The first player tries to flip one of the menko over by
throwing his own menko at it.
(2)If a menko on the ground is flipped over, the thrower keeps it and the loser is out of the
game. If no menko flips, the next player gets a turn. Rules vary. In one variation, a circle
about 1 meter in diameter is drawn on the ground. Menko knocked out of the circle are
taken. In another variation, players take turns, and whoever flips over a menko first gets to
keep all of them on the ground.

Otedama
Otedama (beanbags) are made from leftover pieces of cloth that are sewed together into little
bags. The bags are filled with azuki beans, beads or the like. The game is generally considered to
be for girls. The bags are juggled while singing.
How to play
There are many ways to play with beanbags. The game shown right is called nage-dama. Throw

the bag into the air with one hand, catch with the other hand, and then quickly toss it back to
your throwing hand. Repeat this until you become good at it. Then increase the number of bags
to two, three, and then four. When you are expert at this, make things harder by juggling the bags
with one hand.

Beigoma
This is generally considered a boys' game. Today, cast iron tops are used, but years ago they
were made out of spiral shells. Boys compete with each other by refining their tops and
making them stronger sanding off part of the bottom to make them lower, carving
zigzagged shapes around them, or making them heavier by coating them with wax.
How to play
You will need a small barrel or a large bucket, and a goza mat or
canvas to cover the hole in the barrel or bucket, to make a
platform for spinning the tops.
The most common way to play:
(1)All players spin their tops at the same time, on the platform.
(2)The last top left spinning wins the game, if it remains on the
platform.

German Games for Kids

The games listed under are bound to bring in insane amounts of raucous laughter and squealing
contests, of that you can be sure. But, my goodness, the kids will have so, so much fun.
Hit the Pot
This traditional game goes by the name Topfschlagen. In this, a small pot containing chocolates,
or any other item is placed on the floor where the party is being held. A kid is chosen (via chits)
and is blindfolded. He is then handed a stick and placed in the center of the room. The objective
of the game is to crawl on the floor, and using the stick, find and hit the pot. Once the kid has
found the pot, he can claim the contents of the same as his own. The game can be continued to be
played by re-filling the pot and having others have a go at it.
Eating Chocolates
Another very popular German game by the name Schokoladenessen is a rather fast-paced
activity. As the name suggests, it does involve eating chocolates, but the way in which it is
carried through is where the fun lies. A group of kids sit around a tableit has to be ensured that
all the kids fit around the table. A chocolate bar is wrapped in several layers of newspapers,

secured with a ribbon, and placed in the center of the table, along with other items that include a
hat, scarf, mittens, fork, knife, and a dice. The kid to roll the first round of dice is picked via
chits, and he/she aims to get a 6. When a 6 is rolled, the kid has to wear the scarf, mittens, and
hat and start unwrapping the layers of newspapers to get at the bar. Once he/she has reached the
chocolate bar, he/she has to use the knife and fork and start eating the chocolate. While all this is
happening, the other kids around the table have to continue rolling the dice in a counterclockwise
motion. When any of the kids rolls a 6, he/she take over from the first kid (including donning the
scarf et all) and starts eating the chocolate. The game continues till the bar is over.
To make this already fast-paced game all the more interesting, you can set up teams across 3-4
tables and time them. Then give away first, second, third, and consolation prizes.
The Number Game
In German it's called the 'Ein, Zwei, Drei...Halt!' (1, 2, 3... Halt!) game. In this, the person who is
tagged 'it' stands at a distance backing the rest of the group. Then he/she says 'Ein, Zwei, Drei...
in which time the kids have to run towards him. When he says 'Halt', he turns around to face the
kids. When he turns, all the kids have to stop and adopt the statue modethey aren't to move at
all. If 'it' finds any of them moving, they're out. The game continues till either all have been
dismissed or one of the kids crosses the finish line.
Hiding Sardines
This is a popular game in Germany and goes by the name 'Sardinen'. In this game, a kid is
chosen to hide while the others have to find him. They have to count, say up to 30 (or any other
number) in which time the kid hides in a place. Once the counting stops, the kids have to find
him. When anyone finds the kid, they have to hide with him. One by one the kids join the
original kid in the hiding place. This continues till the last one finds the hiding place. It's a whole
lot of fun if it is combined with dim lights so that the hide and seek game becomes even more
challenging. A simpler version of the sardine game is the Verstecken game, which means 'hide
and seek' and is played like one would a normal game of the same.
The Cat and Mouse
In Germany, this game is popular by the name 'Katz and Maus', Katz (cat) and Maus (mouse).
This game is very popular among the younger kids because it is an energy-packed activity with
lots of running around. In this game, one of the players is the cat while the other the mouse, and
the rest of the kids form a circle. The objective of the game is that the cat has to catch the mouse.
The mouse can run anywhereinto and out of the circle. There is an added element of fun
introduced because the circle sometimes allows the mouse to enter and at other times blocks him.
When the mouse is caught, there are chits drawn to decide who the next cat and mouse will be.
Packing a Suitcase
Known as Koffer packen in German, this game is a handy little one for when the kids are done
with the fun and frolic of the eve and are just sitting about. Get the kids to sit in a circle. The first
kid starts off by saying'I packed a suitcase and I put a muffler in it'. The next kid continues
with'I packed a suitcase and I put a muffler and a shirt in it'. The chain continues with each kid
repeating the previous items on the list and adding another of his own. Those who mess the
sequence or omit the previous items are disqualified and the chain continues till there is one kid

remaining, he is declared the winner.

Traditional German Drinking Games

Beer and Germany are quite synonymous. And there is the concept of beer boots that is very
popular in Germany. Beer boots are exactly how they soundsthe glasses are in the shape of
boots. Here are some traditional games that you can enjoy with this concept in mind and a few
others without.
Beer Boot Pass
A very, very popular game played in Germany (and slowly becoming quite famous all around the
world) is the beer boot pass (Bier Boot). The game is usually played to pin the next round of
beers on a person. In this, a beer glass is filled to the brim and passed around in the groupthere
are some rules for thisit has to be tipped every time before it is passed and not a drop of beer
must be spilled. The objective of the game is that the second-to-last person who finishes the beer
must pay for the next round (or do an errand). The game then becomes all about judgment
because either you drink the entire beer or have a sip and pass it on. You never know who the
second to last person will be, so the suspense and excitement is quite rife.
Beer Crate-Running
This is a traditional game that is extremely popular in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, more
popularly referred to as Kastenlauf. The game is similar to running a race, where a route is
marked, ranging from anywhere between 5-12 km. Each participant brings a crate of beer (the
size and quantity will be specified). The objective of the game is to finish the entire crate of beer
before getting to the finish line. The first person who successfully completes this feat, wins.
Flunkyball
This outdoor game is played with one team being pitted against another, with equal numbers in
both. The objective of the game is for the teams to finish all their beers. The teams stand on
opposite sides of the ground in a file, with their beers lined before them. An empty bottle (filled
with water so that it does not tumble with the wind) or a tin can is placed in the center and
another object (used as an aim) is brought in, something like a tennis ball. Chits are drawn to
determine which team will go first. The first team (A) hits the ball onto the target to tumble it.
Once the bottle has tumbled, team A will start drinking their beers. Meanwhile, team B must run
to the center, place the bottle upright, find the ball, and cross back into the line before yelling
'Stop'. Team A then stops drinking and team B commences to throw the ball at the bottle and
carrying forward the game. The game continues till one team has finished all their beer and they
are declared winners.
One can make things a little harder by introducing rules in the game, like, if a team does not
manage to hit the target in the first go, they have to forfeit the round or no team member can hit
the target twice.
Drinking Relay
Divide the group of people into two teams and get them to stand in a line with beer boots placed
in front of each member. At the blow of the whistle, the first person lifts the glass and starts

drinking the beer. After he is done, he has to turn the glass over to show that there is no more
beer in the glass. Then, the next person starts drinking and so on. The next in line can only drink
when the first person has emptied his glass. The team whose last member empties the glass ahead
of others, wins.
Herman the German
Even though this game seems simple, it is a lot of fun because of the antics that being drunk
makes you do. It runs on the lines of 'Who stole the cookie'. A person is chosen as 'Herman the
German' (HTG) and he has to get the game running. The other members sit in a random manner
and are given names, better if they are confusing names like China Port No.1, Rum Master
Blaster, Roundy Dundy etc. The game starts with HTG saying"HTG dropped a missile on
China Port No. 1, sir' and China Port No. 1 has to reply with"It wasn't me, sir". Then HTG
replies"Who then, sir" and it goes on. The sentence has to end with 'sir' and if it doesn't, then
the player has to down a shot or a beer boot. Similarly, if at any point the players fumble, they
have to do the same. The tension makes the players forget things and there's a whole lot of beer
flowing as a result.
With these games, there's not a single party that won't be just bursting with fun and enthusiasm.
That's for sure. So choose a good one and get that German-themed party rolling.

RUSSIAN TRADITIONAL GAMES

Rezinochki
The key element of this game is an elasticated band (rezinochka) that is stretched between two
girls while the other players jump over it. Ideally, there are three to four players. Each participant
performs specific types of jumps and jump combinations, while the elasticated band is held at
different heights, ranging from ankle level ("first" jump) to neck level ("sixth" jump).
If the jumper makes a mistake, she has to switch places with one of the girls holding the elastic
band in place. If there are four players, the pair is swapped when both players in a pair make a
mistake.
This game develops spatial orientation, coordination, and attention span. It teaches children how
to train, win, lose with dignity, jump higher, and be friends with others, even during moments of
rivalry.

Classics (Hopscotch)
You will need chalk, an asphalt playground, and a stone (or puck). Use the chalk to draw
quadrilaterals with numbers in a sequence. You can even play this game alone. The main idea is
to get the stone (or puck) into one of the quadrilaterals, then jump to it using one foot or both
feet, and come back using the same route.
The winner is the player who manages to make it the whole way, from 1 to 10.
This game develops dexterity, accuracy, the ability to concentrate, and knowledge of numbers (if
the players are young children).
Boyars
Participants in this classic Russian game are divided into two equal teams and line up in two
rows facing each other, holding hands, 10-15 meters apart. The two teams move toward each
other while repeating the line, "Boyars, we have come to you, dear boyars, we have come to
you..." The dialogue ends with the phrase, "Boyars, open the gates, give us the bride forever."
The person chosen to be the bride has to run forward and try to break up the opposing teams
chain. If the attempt is successful, the player returns to his team. If not, he has to join the other
team. The losing team then starts the next round. The goal is to build a chain with as many
participants as possible.
This game develops the ability to work on a team and win in a one against all type of situation.
Koldunchiki (Wizards)
In this game, the players run away from the leader (a variation of tag). The leader catches up to a
player and tags her. The tagged player then has to stand still and put her hands out, and any other
player can run up to her and save her. The leaders task is to not stray too far from the players
he has already tagged and not let anybody near them.
The summer version of Koldunchiki is to run around and try to spray each other with water from
bottles. Typically, everyone is soaked within the first five minutes of the game, but its a lot of
fun.

This game develops the ability to run, think quickly, and enjoy yourself.
Cossacks and Thieves (Cops and Robbers)

Cossacks and Thieves. Source: Elena Pochetova

Players are divided into two teams: Cossacks and Thieves. The two teams agree on the area that
they are going to play in. This can be a courtyard, staircase, street, or even several courtyards.
The Thieves think of a secret word. The Cossacks then go somewhere (or turn around) so they
cant see the Thieves.
The Thieves escape, leaving chalk marks (on walls, trees, curbs, etc.) to mark the direction they
are moving in. The Cossacks then have to use the marks to find the Thieves. The Cossacks have
to bring each of the Thieves to a prison and guard him, trying to get him to cough up the secret
word.
The Cossacks win when they either catch all of the Thieves or manage to get one of them to say
the secret word.
This game develops basic scouting skills and navigational abilities and teaches children not to rat
others out.
Vishibali (Dodgeball)
The Vishibali (Bouncers) - two players stand on opposite sides of the yard. The rest are in the
center. The Vishibali have to pass the ball back and forth while trying to hit one of the players in
the middle. The players in the middle have to dodge the ball. Anyone who gets hit is out of the
game.
Other participants can "save" the player who is out by catching the ball (but they cant pick the
ball up from the ground, or they will be out too). When only one player is left in the middle, he
must dodge the ball as many times as his age. If he can do it, all the players who were out come
back into the game.
This game develops the ability to dodge fast-moving objects, think of others, and endure pain.
Edible - Inedible
All players sit or stand in a row. The lead player throws a ball to one of the participants and at the
same time calls out an object. If the object is edible, the player catches the ball. If not, he
bounces it away. The leader tries to confuse the player, for example, by saying "apple - melon carrot - potato" in a row, and then suddenly saying "iron."
If a player makes a mistake and eats the inedible object, he then becomes the new leader. The
faster the leader throws the ball and calls out the object, the more exciting and fun the game
becomes.
This game develops the ability to listen carefully and respond quickly.
Knives

Players mark a circle on the ground. Next, the players take turns trying to throw a pocketknife
inside another players territory in order to gain as much land as possible. The knife can be
thrown over the shoulder, with a turn, from nose level and even over the head.
There are many versions of the knives game: "Land," "City," "Bench," "Grandma Grandpa,"
"Tanks," "Boats," "Football," and "Sea Battle." You can stick the knife into the earth, sand, and
even a wooden bench.
This game develops the ability to handle weapons, improves attention span, and fosters a sense
of caution.
Ring-Ring
Players sit in a row and hold their hands together to form a cup shape. The leader holds a small
object (such as a coin, button, or ring) in her hands. She then comes up to each player, holding
her hands over the players cupped hands while saying the line, I wear the ring, and then give it
to someone."
The leader then has to secretly pass the ring to one of the players and say, Ring-ring, come out
on the porch!" The player who got the item then jumps up and tries to escape. The other
participants have to try to catch the person with the object.
This game develops the ability to spot manipulative behavior and act quickly and decisively.

SRILANKAS TRADITIONAL GAMES

Traditional Games in Sri Lanka
There are many traditional games in Sri Lanka that we play during various ceremonies and
occasions.
These are some of them we did during our New Year season.
Kana mutti bindeema (the Sinhala term)
Take several pots and fill them with water or sand,one of the pots should be filled with blue
water or with some special thing. It is called kana muttiya.
The eyes of the competiters are closed with a piece of cloth and provide each of them with a
bamboo stick.
Get the competiters to be ina line and let each of them to go front and hit the pots (one after the
other)
The competiter who hit the pot with blue water will win the game.

Toffee ahindeema(picking toffees)

Get all the competitors to stand in a horizontal line.

Spread the toffees on the ground from about 10 or 15 metres away from the line
Give the command and ask the competitors to run and pick toffees as much as they can.
The one who picked the highest number of toffees win the game

Lime and spoon

Hold the spoon in the mouth.
Place the lime on the spoon and balance it.
The competitors start walking with the command.
The competitors should balance the lime on the spoon and walk quickly to the
winning post.
Balloon blasting
Get the competitors stand in a horizontal line.
Provide each competitor with a balloon.
Start filling them with air with the command.
The one who can blast his balloon first will win.
Musical chair

Place the chairs in a circle

Get the competitors stand around the circle.
Play the music.
Get them to dance and go around the circle with music.
Stop the music and the competitors should sit on a chair as soon as possible.
The competitors who could not find a chair are out.

SINHALA AND TAMIL NEW YEAR GAMES IN SRI LANKA AURUDU

KREEDA
By admin on April 10, 2014

The Sri Lankan Sinhalese and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudhu in Sinhala and Puththandu in
Tamil ) is a national festival which has been celebrated for centuries. The most pronounced areas
of the new year festivities are food, games and the rituals of goodwill.
The new year games can be categorized as indoor and outdoor games. Some of the indoor games
are bello (sea shells) and kaju (cashew nuts). The outdoor games are havari hengima (hiding
the wig), chaggudu and kotta pora (pillow-fighting), kathuru oncilla , ankeliya , olinda
keliya, eluvan keliya, mevara sellama, raban upatha, buhu keliya, muthi gesilla, rena dela del,
muthu keliya, onchili varam and mee sellama.
The significance of the games is that everyone regardless of the age, gets themselves involved in
the competitions. Also, all the indoor games are played on the floor. If the games were to be
played by sitting on chairs, it would create certain problems of sitting, which in the traditional Sri
Lankan culture involves certain restrictions.
Added to that, when the outdoor games are played on a village-scale, the entire neighbourhood
gets together which enhances the unity and eliminate the misunderstandings of the past .

WHAT

ARE

MAJOR SINHALA TAMIL NEW

YEAR GAMES

(AURUDU KREEDA)

PANCHA KELIYA (PANCHA DAMEEMA, KAVADI DAMEEMA

DAMEEMA)

AND

BELLO

This game is done by using shells. This is a traditional game that has been there for a long time.
Pancha is played with five small seashells, a coconut shell, and a chart. Players are divided into
two groups.

THE

PLAYING OF THE

RABANA (DRUM

BEATING )

Rabana is of course used on other occasions too. For example, when a newly married couple
comes home, everybody is happy and they play the Rabana. So it is meant for happy occasions.
This is mainly done by females and elderly females but we as small children could also join with
the elders.

ONCHILLA

THE SWINGS

Women and children ride the onchilla the swings strung on trees. Sometimes there are two
people seated on the swing while another person keeps swaying the swing back and fro while
singing special verses known as onchili waram, also known as known as varang kavi.

SINGING RABAN

PADA AND ONCHILI WARAM

(VERANG

KAVI)

Singing is also a part of riding swings and these songs are called varang kavi. Our folk literature
is full of such raban pada and varang kavi.

OLINDA KELIYA (MANCALA

GAME )

Olinda Keliya uses a wooden board (olinda kolombuwa/ poruwa) which has several holes.
Normally played by 2 players where 9 holes are placed 4 beads each. Olinda seeds sting behind
bright red and black. Players shift the beads from a hole to the other and collect seeds found in
the hole quickly after an empty one. The player who collects the most number of seeds is the
winner.
This is the verse sung during this Game
Olinda thibenne koi koi dese,
Olinda thibenne bangali dese.
Genth handanne koi koi dese,
Genath handanne Sinhala dese

ANKELIYA (HOOK TUGGING)

Ankeliya (Horn Game, a game played using horns), Likeliya (Stick Game) and Polkeliya
(Coconut game) are games played on behalf of god Pattini. These games share the feature of a
competition between wo teams, with most commonly one team representing Pattini and the other
team representing either her spouse or another male deity.
In Ankeliya, hook tugging, udu pila and yati pila teams meet at the Angpitiya or tugging field
which has a strong tree, the angha groving in it. The two hooks or Ang (horns) either made from
the heartwood of some storng timber such as iron wood. or tamarind or from the base with brow
tine of a sambhur antler are then brought by their respective teams.

GAMES PLAYED AT NEW YEAR FESTIVALS

There are New Year celebrations organised by various village associations and TV channels. In
these festivals several other games and items are organized. These may not be traditional but
now they are also part of New Year Games and Items in Sri Lanka.
These events are more commercialised today. TV channels also organise New Year festivals. It
has a commercial aspect but it also serves a purpose, as the younger generation particularly in
urban areas who are not familiar with New Year rituals and games can learn a lot about our
culture.