Group GamesTraditional Indian games
The street and courtyard games that Indian children have played for generations, with names that change from state to state. They need almost nothing: a few stones, a piece of chalk, open ground and friends. The rules also change from lane to lane, so we give the common version and you can settle your own house rules.
- Pitthu (Seven Stones)Pitthu is known across India by many names, among them Lagori, Satoliya and Seven Stones.Traditional Indian games · 6 to 12, in two teams players · 20 to 30 minutes
- Stapu (Hopscotch)Stapu is the hopping game drawn on courtyards and footpaths.Traditional Indian games · 2 or more players · 15 minutes
- LangdiLangdi is a hopping tag game that is very popular in Maharashtra.Traditional Indian games · 6 or more, in two teams players · 15 to 20 minutes
- Vish Amrit (Freeze Tag)Vish Amrit means poison and nectar.Traditional Indian games · 5 or more players · 15 minutes
- Oonch NeechOonch Neech means high and low.Traditional Indian games · 4 or more players · 15 minutes
- Chain TagIn this playground favourite, every player who is caught joins hands with the chaser.Traditional Indian games · 6 or more players · 10 minutes
Why these games are worth passing on
Pitthu, Stapu, Langdi, Vish Amrit, Oonch Neech and Chain Tag were not invented by a company and cannot be bought in a shop. They were handed down by older children to younger ones in lanes, courtyards and school grounds. They cost nothing, they need no screen, and they teach the things that playgrounds teach best: balance, aim, quick decisions, taking turns, arguing about a rule and still remaining friends. Many parents and grandparents remember them clearly and are delighted to be asked to teach one.
One game, many names
These games are known by different names in different parts of India, and the rules change from one lane to the next. Seven Stones, for example, has several regional names, and hopscotch courts are drawn in more than one shape. Nobody's version is the wrong one. On each page we give a common way to play; before you start, ask the oldest person present how they played it, and settle your own house rules. That conversation is part of the game.
Where and how to play today
Lanes have more traffic than they once did, so choose a park, a school ground, a housing society's play area or a terrace with a proper wall. Use a soft ball for Pitthu. Check the ground for stones and glass before hopping games. Mixed ages play these games well together if teams are balanced; the team maker does that in one tap. They also make an excellent sports period, a summer camp activity or a family picnic programme. For more outdoor fun, see the games for kids.