What sort of games were played in Punjab in older times? Have you ever pondered over this question? Punjab has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional games that have been played for generations. Here are some traditional games commonly played in Punjab:

Kabaddi

Kabaddi is perhaps the most famous traditional sport of Punjab. It’s a contact team sport that originated in ancient India. There are two major disciplines: “Punjab style kabaddi”, also called “circle style”, comprises traditional form of the sport that are played on a circular field outdoors, and the “standard style”, on a rectangular court indoors, is played in major professional leagues and international competitions such as the Asian Games.

Gulli Danda

Gulli Danda is a popular outdoor game played with two sticks – a large one called the ‘danda’ and a smaller one called the ‘gulli’. The gulli is placed on the ground, and the player hits it with the danda to send it flying. The player then runs to a certain distance and tries to strike the gulli again. Points are scored based on the distance covered by the gulli.

Bante/Kanche (Marbles)

Bante/Kanche is a traditional game played with small glass or clay marbles. Players take turns shooting their marble at a group of marbles arranged in a circle, trying to knock them out of the circle. The player who knocks out the most marbles wins. It requires precision and strategy.

Pithoo (Lagori)

Pithoo, also known as Lagori, is a game that involves a ball and a pile of flat stones or bricks. One team tries to knock down the stack of stones by throwing the ball at them, if the attempt is successful then the team works together to rebuild the stack of stones. The other team members pass the ball around and hit the members as they attempt restacking the stones. Each time the ball touches the team member they have to leave the game and pass the challenge to the rest of the team.

Kikli

Kikli is a traditional Punjabi game played by young girls. It involves two players holding each other’s hands and spinning around in circles, while other players try to break their grip by hitting their linked hands. It’s a fun and energetic game often accompanied by singing traditional Punjabi songs.

Lukan Mitti (Hide and Seek)

Like in many cultures, hide and seek is a popular game among children in Punjab. One player closes their eyes and counts while the other players hide. The seeker then tries to find and tag the hidden players.

Gatka

Gatka is a traditional martial art form that originated in Punjab. It involves the use of wooden sticks to simulate sword fighting. Gatka requires skill, speed, and coordination and is often performed during festivals and cultural events.

Kushti (Pehlwani)

Kushti, also known as Pehlwani, is a traditional form of wrestling that has been practiced in Punjab for centuries. Wrestlers, known as pehlwans, compete in a mud pit called “akhara” using grappling techniques and strength.

Langdi (Blind Man’s Bluff)

Langdi is a traditional outdoor game played by children in Punjab. One player, who is blindfolded, tries to tag other players while hopping on one leg. It requires balance, coordination, and quick reflexes.

These are few traditional games played in Punjab. Each game has its own set of rules and variations, but they all contribute to the cultural richness and joy of the region. These traditional games not only provide entertainment but also promote physical fitness, teamwork, and cultural heritage among the people of Punjab.